Osbaldo Nieto cleared in Mark Vasquez murder investigation

A teenager who had been held in police custody, following the stabbing death of well-known auto-trader Mark Vasquez last Saturday, has been released without being indicted. Eighteen-year-old Osbaldo Nieto was discharged from the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital earlier this week and held by Belize City police in connection with the grisly murder of the used car salesman. On the night of the incident, a bloody Nieto was seen running along the seawall on Marine Parade in the direction of the Fort George Memorial Park. It was ascertained shortly thereafter that he matched the description of an individual who was observed moments earlier engaged in a physical altercation with Vasquez. According to Assistant Superintendent Alejandro Cowo, the case has gone cold.

ASP Alejandro Cowo, O.C., C.I.B., Belize City

ASP Alejandro Cowo

“Reference the murder investigation of Mark Anthony Vasquez, police conducted an investigation, as I mentioned earlier, eighteen-year-old Osbaldo Nieto was detained and he was admitted to the hospital with several injuries.  The doctor has already treated him and he was discharged two days ago.  He was brought into custody and questioned.  After reviewing all the statements that we had recorded, the young male person, Mr. Nieto, was released and the investigation is still continuing at this point.”

Isani Cayetano

“Any leads otherwise, based on the information he has given?”

ACP Alejandro Cowo

“No.  There’s no other leads.  We have put the files together and we have sent the statements to the Director of Public Prosecutions for her to assist us in the investigation.”

Mark Vasquez was stabbed multiple times in the neck and chest during a struggle near the Radisson pier last Saturday. He died soon after.