Anyone who has tried the game of party politics knows that it can get rough, rugged, and downright dangerous. But up and coming UDP political aspirant Edmund Castro didn't know it could get this dirty. 7NEWS was called out to his home in Maskall Village and Keith Swift reports from the scene of what Castro is a calling a politically motivated killing.
Keith Swift Reporting,
There are 3 dead sheep behind me, 2 more over there and 3 more behind the house. In total 10 sheep were killed last night on Edmund Castro's farm. Ten sheep killed - butchered. And if this senseless slaughter wasn't bad enough then the reason behind it takes the cake. Edmund Castro who is a political aspirant in the Belize Rural North Area believes it is a bloody act of political revenge.
Edmund Castro,
"I believe this is a political crime or a politically motivated crime. Because I spoke out against the Area Representative at a meeting about the bus situation back here.
Keith Swift,
So why the sheep and not you?
Edmund Castro,
I think it's sending a message that I will be next.
Some of the slaughtered flock were knocked over their head - this bloody stone tells that tale. And others were stabbed - the blood left on this stick is evident of that. All died a brutal death. This morning a few still showed signs of life.
But most of these lambs were silenced and Maskall villagers are outraged. Children? Puzzled as they survey the massacre and the parents are speaking out.
Concerned Villager,
Everyone is wondering what happened, who could have done this, and why. This is not something we expect to happen in Maskall.
But it did and yes they are outraged, yes they are shocked, and yes they will be looking for answers.
Castro had 14 sheep, 10 were killed, 1 is missing, and three remain. He plans to burn the carcasses, which he valued at just over $1,000.