When 19 year old Martiza Santos was killed four months ago - it was one of the most sensational murders of 2011.
The attractive teenager was allegedly killed by her older boyfriend, Michael Silva - who then tried to commit suicide by ingesting herbicide.
Except, he survived - and coming from a wealthy, well-connected family - he was able to go abroad to get medical treatment - even though he was a prime suspect in a murder.
Now, four months later Maritza's family wants to know why he hasn't been brought to justice, or if he will ever be made to face justice.
Monica Bodden spoke with them in Santa Elena, Cayo yesterday - and here's their story of frustration and unending grief:
Monica Bodden Reporting
19 year old Martiza Santos was a beautiful young woman who had recently graduated from high school - described as loving, charming and friendly.
But on September 27 of last year, she was murdered inside her boyfriend's house, located behind the Kontiki Area in San Ignacio Town
Her petite body was found lying on a bed in one of the bedrooms.
She had a large cut wound to the right side of her forehead, and a pillow was found covering her face.
She was bleeding from her head.
Found inside the kitchen of the house was a quart of t herbicide and 9 slips of paper with notes on them.
All fingers pointed to her boyfriend of only 6 weeks, 26 year old businessman Michael Silva - son of the former Minister of Agriculture Dan Silva.
Silva allegedly murdered the teenage girl, and then tried killing himself by ingesting the Herbicide.
He had to be rushed to the Belize Healthcare partner's hospital in Belize City. For a crime such as murder, it was only expected that police would have young Silva under heavy guards.
But only days later, and the young man was allowed to leave the country.
One police officer told us that should have never happened.
So where is he now? And why hasn't he been charged for the murder of his girlfriend?
Yesterday marked 4 months since Maritza Santos was cruelly murdered, and her mother is still searching for those answers.
Maura Larius - Mother
"Right now they have only told me that they have him in Guatemala, and to be patient. The last time I checked with the police, was 2 weeks ago and all they keep telling me is to have patience, they are going to resolve the case. I think it's because am poor and because Silva has money. I don't know what to say, but that's where the case is at right now. They are other people who commit murder, and they are in jail for it, but because he has money that is why we are at where we are at. Because for me, now, it's like an animal they killed. I don't think it's fair, because we're not talking about an animal that was killed; we're talking about a person."
But is Michael Silva really in Guatemala still undergoing treatment 4 months later?
That is a question that the police would have to answer. Unfortunately, when we stopped in at the San Ignacio police station today, no one could have assisted us with any answers.
Maura Larius - Mother
"Well that's how I feel, like there is no justice. I don't know what's happening. What I don't understand is how he left the country. Nobody is telling me how he was able to leave the country. What I wanted to know is how he fled the country like that. But I bet if it was somebody poor, they would have already captured him. And that's not fair."
Maura Larius - Mother
"As of now, they haven't told me anything about the reason why they killed my daughter because they told me they have to wait until they can bring him back into the country and re-open the case. But no, they haven't given me any reason."
Today, home for 19 year old Maritza Santos is under this huge Oak Tree at the Carmen Memorial Burial ground - in Santa Elena Town.
Her precious life was cut short - but the question is, will she ever get justice?
Maura Larius - Mother
"She was a hard worker, very friendly; she used to talk to anybody. It's not fair. Why did he do that to my daughter? I want to know why. If he didn't love her, why didn't he just leave her? Wouldn't that have been better? That's what I would want to know. Why didn't he just leave her, why kill her? Not like he is God. And that is why I hope that he surrenders himself, and I can see justice because it really hurts me. Do you think I am living well? It's just not fair; they're living the good life. I hope I can see justice. I miss her a lot. I still haven't gone to visit her at the cemetery because I feel so awful and I want justice. I ask God, how can these people with money get away with this?"
We also tried to get a comment from the police press officer and none was forthcoming.
We will continue to press police for some coherent response.
