Arson in Mahogany Heights

There were several fires reported over the weekend in San Pedro, Belize City and Mahogany Heights. In the case of the fire in Mahogany Heights, it is being investigated as a case of arson, as surveillance footage has been recovered and a possible motive established. Today, News Five spoke with the owner of the property who lost everything, but was not at home with his three kids at the time of the incident. Duane Moody files this report.

Duane Moody, Reporting

Over the weekend, a fire gutted a two-bedroom concrete house in Mahogany Heights. It was home to B.D.F. Lance Corporal Ashley Henry, who says that he was on deployment when he received the distress call.

Ashley Henry

Ashley Henry, Fire Victim

“I was deployed at bush and I received a call over the radio stating that I need to be evacuated out because I have an emergency. When I arrived at Santo de Silva and received signal, then I saw all the pictures and video.”

Fortunately, Henry nor his family were at home, but everything was lost. But since no one was at home, how did the fire start? Surveillance cameras at his house captured two men, wearing hoodies breaking into the building and soon after, the fire started. The culprits are reportedly from the village.

Ashley Henry

“An altercation occurred with my little brother and his friends and due to the fact that my little brother frequents my house, they went there to seek him or get revenge. In return they went through my bathroom window and burn down the house. I lost everything, my documents, my kids documents – everything. We lost household items, clothing. They only have the clothes that is at my mom’s house and I only have the military uniform which I took to work. So that’s all I have at the moment.”

Duane Moody

“What would you say is the estimated loss?”

Ashley Henry

“Estimated loss is like forty-five to fifty thousand. That’s in home material and items.”

Information to News Five suggests that at least one person is in custody following the incident. Police say they are investigating and reviewing surveillance footage.

Hilberto Romero

ACP Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Eastern Division

“Our investigators are working and checking the area to see if there is any footage available.”

Reporter

“There’s some footage on social media. Have you been able to see them?”

ACP Hilberto Romero

“We have seen those but we are working to see if we can find more in the area.”

Henry says that his main concern at this time is recovering what has been lost, as he bought the house three years ago and is currently paying a mortgage. He is having a fundraiser this weekend.

Ashley Henry

“I want to start off with a go fund me barbecue sale on Saturday to see how best I could raise funds to try to rebuild. If anyone wants to assist, I have a Holy Redeemer Credit Union account and also a Belize Bank account. And then the go fund me will be Saturday by Delmart Hardware in Ladyville, in an open lot next to Delmart Hardware.”

Henry is a father of three, two girls and one boy. Duane Moody for News Five.

Anyone wanting to assist can Henry can contact him at 610-6624 or by WhatsApp at 637-6180