Murder suspect caught after one year on the lam

Efrain Santiago

There is a major break in a murder case in the west that dates back to 2008. The main suspect eluded police for over a year, but tonight twenty-four year old Belmopan laborer Efrain “Payin” Santiago, suspected of being behind the murder of Santa Cruz resident, thirty-four year old Felix Enriquez Martinez, is safely behind bars at the Hattieville Prison.  Santiago has been wanted by Benque police from the onset of the investigation since he was the last person seen with Martinez on the night of the murder on December eighth, 2008.  Martinez’s body was discovered lying in a pool of blood on a feeder road a quarter mile from the George Price Boulevard in Benque Viejo. He had been shot to the left side of his face. This past Tuesday Santiago was spotted in his hometown and was immediately apprehended. He was arraigned this morning in the San Ignacio Magistrates’ Court for Martinez’ murder. Officer Commanding of the Benque Viejo Police, Inspector Claudio Mai, told News Five in a telephone interview how Santiago was captured.

Via Phone: Inspector Claudio Mai, O.C, Benque Viejo Police

“On the tenth of December we received information about a person apparently dead in the Santa Cruz area here in Benque Viejo Town. Police visited the scene where the lifeless body of Felix Martinez, thirty-four, Guatemalan laborer of Santa Cruz was seen. Based on the information investigation into the matter, it all indicated that Efrain Santiago and the deceased were seen together prior to his death. That is the reason why Santiago is the key person in respect to this investigation and has been arrested and charged by Benque Viejo police for the crime of murder against Felix Martinez.”

Duane Moody

“I understand that he was taken to court today as well?”

Via Phone: Inspector Claudio Mai

“That’s right on today’s date; Efrain Santiago was arraigned at the San Ignacio magistrate Court where he was remanded to the prison.”

Duane Moody

“Has that shot gun or the weapon used in the murder been retrieved or found or anything of that sort?”

Via Phone: Inspector Claudio Mai

“Not to my knowledge. This young man, Efrain Santiago, who’s been on the run since tenth of December 2008, was captured. I feel contented now that at least the arrest has been made and we are looking forward to a successful prosecution.”

Martinez pleaded not guilty and was remanded until April twenty-second.