A taxi man was found murdered in San Ignacio Town on Saturday, Septmeber first. Police say the motive was robbery. Leopold Austin Waight's body was found in the Contique area of Santa Elena with multiple gunshot wounds. The officer commanding San Ignacio Police, Senior Superintendent David Henderson says they have two suspects detained.
Sr. Supt. David Henderson, Commander - Cayo Police
"An investigation was being conducted by the police which had led us to two persons who are now being held pending charges for murder. We will be doing some further investigation after which we will be laying charges."
Keith Swift,
What was the motive?
Sr. Supt. David Henderson,
"It would appear that robbery would be the motive."
Keith Swift,
How much money was stolen?
Sr. Supt. David Henderson,
"I cannot say the amount of money that was stolen but it had appeared that it is robbery."
And police while have yet to charge the suspects in that murder, they have already made an arrest for the death of American national, Heneroso Romero also known as Clifford Mapp. It occurred on September 8th near the taxi stand in San Ignacio Town, in front of Courts in Santa Elena Town where Romero was beaten to death with a baseball bat. Police say that taxi man Joseph Garcia, Romero, and Carlos Lopez got into argument over money. Garcia allegedly owed Romero money and when Romero asked for it, police say all hell broke loose.
Sr. Supt. David Henderson,
"During the altercation, Garcia received injuries to his face after which he got a bat from his taxi and during swinging the bat, he hit Romero after which Romero fell to the ground unconscious. Romero was taken to the hospital where he later died. As a result of that incident, Garcia has since been arrested and charged with manslaughter."
Keith Swift,
What was the motive?
Sr. Supt. David Henderson,
"Well it is just a dispute they had during which Garcia got hit and he actually got his bat and then they ended up in that situation."
Keith Swift,
Why was he charged with manslaughter and not murder?
Sr. Supt. David Henderson,
"Well as far as the investigation goes, it does not appear that there was any plan or motive, there was no intent to actually kill. It was just a matter of to really injure the person but not to the extent of killing."
