Belize City man killed in fight over dog

In the recent history of crime in Belize we have seen people kill for run of the mill reasons like jealousy and rage. We have also chronicled some unusual homicides resulting from quarrels over a bike, fried chicken and even an ideal. Tonight we add a new reason for a victim’s untimely death: the defence of his dog.

Twenty-two year old Richard Cattouse had just ran a couple of errands for his mother, kissed his baby boy goodbye and quickly visited his grandmother’s house before he headed home Monday night. Some time later, the family receives a phone call telling them that their son was stabbed by his house on Kelly Street. Cattouse died on his way to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital.

Jacqueline Woods

“Residents of the area are not talking, but according to police reports, Cattouse who lived at this house was apparently looking for his lost dog in the neighbourhood but as the young man reached in front of his neighbour’s house, someone stabbed him in the abdomen”

However, the Cattouse parents, Ronald Smith and Fay Cattouse say they understand their son was not looking for the dog but that he saw someone beating his animal and had gone to talk with the person when the man stabbed him.

Fay Cattouse, Mother

“Well we really don’t know what happened. As I tell you, my brother came to see me this morning and he went around to find out what he could find out, and that’s when they told him that the man was beating up on Richard’s dog and Richard approached him and asked him why he beat up the dog like that and he said that’s what he understand.”

An obviously distraught Ronald and Fay say they do not know why anyone would want to kill Cattouse, a son they remember as being always friendly particularly to pets.

Ronald Smith, Father

“Well he loves animals and well I believe that caused his death because he really loved the little puppy that he had.”

Fay Cattouse

“I will always remember Richard as always being jovial because he is that kind, he is that kind he’s always like that. Everybody likes Richard, everybody. Everybody tell me how Richard is so mannerly. You know I don’t know why the young man had to “juk” him and kill him. If he would have even kicked the dog, you know kicked it one way, but don’t kill him, don’t kill my son.”

As police continue to look for a suspect, sources tell News Five that several young men were seen drinking near the victims’ house shortly before Cattouse was attacked. Police would not comment on their ongoing investigation only saying they are questioning a number of people.

And what of the only witness to the crime? The puppy which formerly belonged to Richard Cattouse has not been seen since the murder.