Mom in Fort Worth, Texas says her son was murdered
sherlock syfox
A twenty-six year old deportee who left the jewel some fifteen years ago was found lifeless over the weekend. Sherlock Syfox has been back in Belize for ten months, but on Sunday morning his body was fished out of the sea in the Southern Foreshore area. But is his death a case of murder? His family believes it is and is dismissing reports that he stole a cell phone at a bar where he was last seen alive on Saturday. The results of a post mortem are not giving them any comfort and there are more questions than answers. News Five’s Jose Sanchez has been following this story.
Jose Sanchez, Reporting
Sherlock Syfox was last seen alive at the Tipsy Corner Bar at the junction of Freetown Road and Douglas Jones Street on Saturday. But on Sunday morning, his bloated body was washed up against the seawall on Southern Foreshore. The autopsy results have been revealed today. It said that there was no Anatomical Cause of Death due to Advanced State of Putrefaction. In other words, the cause is inconclusive. That does not bring comfort to Syfox’s mother in Fort Worth, Texas.
beryl syfox
Beryl Syfox, Mother of Sherlock Syfox (Via Phone)
“There is no way my son would go into a river without his clothes and by himself. He was drinking and they took advantage of him. Nobody would have the upper hand of him. He had to come home to a country he was born. For people to treat him that way, I can’t believe that’s the country I belong to. I’m still ashamed now as a Belizean and I’m sorry to say cause that’s where I come from. I love my country. But Belize is a terrible place to live; I see it on the news everyday on the internet and see the crime. I am ashamed of being a Belizean. The government is not doing anything about it and it’s getting worse and worse.”
A black bow is placed on the door of the small apartment he lived in for the past ten months. His mother says he hasn’t seen Belize since he was seven years old. The Jewel his mother left nineteen years ago is not the one that Syfox returned to last year.
Beryl Syfox
“My son Sherlock. He did something when he was younger. He paid for that. But the time when he was sent home was because he didn’t have any papers at the time.”
Jose Sanchez
“Your son didn’t know Belize?”
Beryl Syfox
“Yes sir. He did not know Belize. He left when he was a little boy. And he struggled to survive in Belize. People didn’t treat him as a Belizean. They see him as an American. We sent him money every week—when he didn’t have no job or had a job.”
Jose Sanchez
“Do you think his life was lost because he was seen as a foreigner, maybe as an American with money?”
Beryl Syfox
“Yes. I really do believe that! From the day he went home, he was targeted. They almost killed him before. They knocked him unconscious but you don’t hear about that. Nobody talk about it. He was knocked down unconscious. They tried to kill him before. And here, they succeeded now.”
The pictures of Syfox tell his story. An earlier photo shows loving siblings; posing proudly in front of the American flag, a country which had no documented allegiance to him. The other, his Texas Offender card, documented the trials of a twenty-two year old foreigner, struggling to make the right choices.
Beryl Syfox
“My son was a compassionate person. He’s a good person—gently and kind.”
Born in the Jewel, raised in the U.S. and memorialized in the sea. Reporting for News Five, Jose Sanchez.
According to Syfox’s record, he was detained for an altercation with his father in 2002. An aggravated robbery charge resulted from him forcibly taking money from a man he claimed owed him cash. He was deported because of a parole violation.
yeah his death is fishy, no one swims in the sea at night in belize. Also if you are being chased by people after being accused of theft you surely would’nt take off yor clothes and jump in the sea. It’s murder and the cover up is a drunk swimming and drowned, not so! where’s his clothes, were the persons chasing him ever questioned, find out if the phone he allegedly stole was retrieved and you’ll have a case.
Hmmm. There’s a troubling undercurrent in this story. Apparently if he were a REAL foreigner, it would be all right to abuse, rob and kill him. The complaint seems to be that Belizeans treated him “like an American” even though he was born Belize.
Have we got that far away from living like civilized humans? What happened to the good Samaritan and the rest of the Bible? Maybe we are all going to Hell. Maybe we deserve it.
It’s a national attitude that will quickly kill tourism — ask Aruba that has lost a lot of its tourism after one American was murdered there. Without tourism, what other industry do we have to survive on?
This man seem like he was not only struggling in Belize to cope with his new life, but it also seemed like a troubled man having a hard time in the country that he called home, America.
I can understand your frustration over Belize but if his life was threatened before his death, how come he did not reported it?
This is exactly the point about the deportees in Belize. The US policy is wrong. I have heard of a case in which someone left Belize age 2, and their entire family live in the USA. However on their release from prison they were deported to Belize.
Its wrong on two counts, that person was brought up and corrupted in the USA nothing to do with an upbringing in Belize. So the USA is saying these people aren’t good enough to be in their society so send them back to their country of origin to cause problems there. Secondly that person is still being punished because they are being denied a family life after serving their time. So having landed in a strange country what are these people supposed to do? I imagine its a daunting experience for an adult deportee who was brought up in Belize, let alone someone who left as an infant and then find themselves being deportee as an adult.
In the case I referred to that person has managed to returned to the USA illegally of course but who can blame them? As the USA is their home.
Right now it is easier to blame the Belizean people, the Government & everyone else but he was not targeted because he was seen as an American, Belizeans are killing each other & often for no good reason. No one in Belize expects deportees to have money.
He is not the first Belizean to be deported & he won’t be the last & his death can be used as a lesson to the children who had the opportunity to get out & chose to blow it by engaging in criminal behavior. If he was born in ’87 & was arrested in ’02 for a minor altercation(as a minor) & it took 9 years to deport him, we are getting the sanitized version. He was in Belize for 10 months, why did someone attempt to take his life? Knowing that most convicts are deported after serving their time & he was paroled instead suggests that he was shown some leniency by the Texas courts. We need to hammer home to our children the importance of self discipline.
Too often, Belizeans point their fingers at the US justice system & hide behind racism & other excuses instead of facing the fact that the US taxpayers are also tired of feeding & housing criminals. When the police find themselves dealing with the same fool over petty crimes or infractions, they seek help through the District Attorneys & the courts & that immigration hammer has become a very useful weapon whether or not we like it.
no one is safe in belize no one and this gov. keeps taking back all the belizean criminals from the us this is why our jewel is in the state its in judas barrow keeps taking back all the criminals starting with his son and all the gang members for a few pieces of silver from the us gov. people we need to fight to make it so this gov will not take back any criminals from any part of the world especially from the us they corrupt these people there and then send them bck here to kill rape and steal well no more barrow no more judas no moreeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.
It’s unfortunate that the man died. However, the cause of death wasn’t determined (as usual n not surprisingly) so it cannot b called murder. A lot of these young people, men n women, come back to Belize (either by choice or as deportees) n bring the “foreign mentality”. They r used to living a certain way, doing things a certain way n getting what they want any way possible. We’ve heard he stole a phone, we don’t know that, maybe the girl he allegedly stole that phone from vshould b found n talked to. Violence is never acceptable but sometimes it’s just a persons past catching up with them.
He seemed to be a descent fellow that made wrong choices. As the mother said, he paid for it. It is unfortunate to see him end that way. Must be rough to be sent back to your country, one that you dont know. RIP Syfox…condolences to his family.
I agree with Edith. A person life is a life regardless of the situation. Whatever you do in your past always catch up on you. Children and youths of Belize need to realize that…..so many adults say that but we are not taken seriously. If this mother knows the reality of what Belize has become she should have advised her son to be very cautious…..not be out at nite….and be careful of the friends he keep. This is not just solely a Belize situation this happens in America and worldwide too. As parents we sacrifice so much for our children but the most important lesson we can teach them is to be responsible and do the right thing; pray to God each and every day for wisdom and safety.
Is Estradabran for reallll????? the girl by Burdon Canal was 1 week and the same response., what happen to the Hungry Monkey case and all the others ruled suicide just because there is a note beside the body. Forensic pathologhy does not exist in this country, these people make big money for a circus.this is a critical issue to tackle crime and violence in Belize
he had no real allegiance anywhere. his father, was not Belizean he was from Greneda. So the boy was lost.
Bad … wannabe American gangbangers get deportyed all the time. It was not different this time. People in the Belize are tired of being crime victims. Someone decided to right what they percieved as wrong.
This guy was a deportee from the State of Texas. This means he was no stranger to the courts or the police system. A simple parole violation will not get you deported; but recurring offenses will. This guy was street hard and wise. Unfortunately, he met his match in Belize. Checkmate!
BZinCali, couldn’t disagree with you even if the victim was my family. People come to the US without any idea of the system and are given a chance. Life is what you make of it. After committing their crimes and deported they want to go back to their country and act the same way, will I hope they are taken care of, because it is this attitude of being BAD that has Belize on a KILLING RAMPAGE. PARENTS TEACH YOUR CHILDREN DISCIPLINE AND RESPECT AND IF YOU SEE SOMETHING WRONG REPORT IT.
Hey Rod, I like the name JUDAS BARROW (lol) the thing is the US DOES not give money to DEPORTEES/GOV’T when they are returned. They become the responsiblility of their country of birth, not the one that tried to raise/give them a chance.
To Magician Checkmate will be when someone kill ……… You know nothing about my brother and what happen in his life. None of you people no anything the media is a way to try to give a paint a picture if you were smart enough you would know that. He was not a gang member so get the … out of your mind he was a good person regardless of what any think. I guess if you get in trouble in the US just mean you was involve in a gang. Come to America first and live life. My brother didn’t have to steal for nothing my parents my sure he was taking care of if he wanted something and didn’t have the money he call. Because of the crime i lost my brother for nothing. My mother talk to brother everyday about Belize and what he shouldn’t do don’t judge what you don’t know. I accept that his past my have caught up with him but my brother didn’t deserved to died because dumb, stupid, good for nothing person. BELIZEANS get mad because of the opportunity others receive not by choice. You know nothing about our family. You heard nothing when knock him off his bike and they rode back and forth over his head. AND he did report it shows how Belize really work. My brother was not lost he adjusting back to life in a place where he was born. My brother would never go for a swim at night how stupid does that sound but his face was beat in and couldn’t be identified if he didn’t have tattoos. So, i guess he did his self too yeah right. Stop twisting up my brother little life he did have to make what him to so, that you can justified what happen. I hope the person or persons that did what they did, when its your time hope that you suffer till dead.
LP……….. you have MY SYMPATHY!!!
MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE……finally!!!
Mother Beryl I am truely sorry for your loss. I shiver every time the thought of me losing my son crosses my mind. I can only imagine how you feel. It is always a bad thing when someone turns up dead like this, but there is no need to be ashamed of Belize!
Could I remind you that these same sort of wrongs are done all over the world including texas rigth there where you are. I do not hear you saying that you are ashamed to live in Texas.
I trust that you are not one of those Belizeans who are ashamed to be a Belizean anyway and who are ashamed to speak the way we speak even amoung Belizeans and do not care to be identified as a Belizean from the start.
My Sympathy!
LP-My condolence goes out to you and your family for your lost. I understand and sympathize with you as I too have a sibling who was sent home just last year. It is a difficult transition and fellow Belizians does not make it easier. My brother lived in the US most of his life. He has adult children, both parents, and all siblings living in the states. My brother has never served a day in jail, he was not a Gang Banger but because he was accused of a crime, pleaded guilty, received 1 year probation not parole 10 years prior to ICE deporting him. Since he has been home he has been robbed at gun point and beaten. We are in fear for him. It is so sad to know that my sweet Belize that I used to brag about to my American friends and colleague has become such a depressing and crime ridden place. I live in a big city and we don’t have this much crime. Every time I read the news I am heartbroken and just can’t understand why are people living like this? Regardless if you are Belizian or have been deported, your life have a meaning and how dare someone just that it from you and your loved ones? To those of you, who are posting negativity about a young man you don’t even know, think about it before you do. This was someone’s child, someone’s brother. If you don’t have anything good to say, don’t post it. If you have a solution, post it and do something about and stop hiding behind these post.
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family LP.
My condolences to the family!!! Belizeans we must go back to what the bible says…. “do not spear the rod and spoil the child”. Let’s face it, it takes a village to raise a child. What has happen to us as a people, and nation. We must bring prayer back in our homes, lives, school and community. Fear God knowing that we will be judge for every thing we have done. Vengeance is His and, He will repay” Say’s the Lord. Respect yourself, respect others, and know that the seed we sow, that shall we reap.
LP, my condolences to you and your family. I too have family members who went to the US as kids, and I can only imagine the your mother’s fear when your brother was deported to a country he hardly knew. Another young life lost, what a shame!
It is sad to hear all that is going on in Belize. I can only imagine the pain this family is going through right now. I am not pleased with the way the mother is portraying Belize. I am from Belize and came to the US to make a better financial life for myself. It is sad that this young man lost his life but, he made some bad choices in life, I don’t need detailes, for you to be deported back to your country you did some bad stuff. I don’t care what it was, he broke the law and he had to go back to his place of birth, the US don’t have to put up with you. US citizens go to Belize and get deported as well, I am sure he was not the victim when it came to him being deported. It is sad but, he made bad choices.
I can be honest and say that parts of the US is worst off than Belize with poverty and crime so, lets get the facts straight, Belize is a great little country and life is what you make of it. (you make your bed and you lie in it) Please don’t portray Belize to be a bad place because your son choose a life of crime and went down that path. I really am sorry for your loss but, not happy with the way you bashed Belize. God Bless.
My condolences to your family. I know what it’s like to lose a son. I lost my son few months ago, he was also killed, and it hurts like hell.I am a belizean american. I was born in New York and raised in Belize.May god bless you, and give you strength in this terrible time.
LP and Ms. Berly all God’s Blessing in your time od bereavement. I can only pray for your loss because I have an eight month old son and God forbid someone should kill him, I will have nothing more to live for so may he have mercy upon my soul for the revenge I will take. To the MAGICIAN, you are a selfish a—— with nothing to do. You are a poor excuse for being a human. If you ask me i think the police should question you for his death. I don’t care what you or anybody who disagrees with me think because its things like you who make Belize a bad place to live. Anyways, you can keep your physo comments to yourself and disappear.
This is why I fear to go back home or be deported. I was born in Belize, brought to the states and have been here ever since. I had gone back to visit and was treated as an American, called a Yankee and disrespected. I am going through the process of trying to renew my greencard and this scares me. I love my culture and history and I LOVE my country, but its seems my country doesnt love me. I dont know if its jelousy or plan old ignorance but something has to change. We should all be aconecction a bridge for eachother. This is not right!
You guys are something else. Belizeans you are all giving MAGICIAN a hard time. Maybe he was wrong to say that this young man was a gangbanger but he’s not the only one who express this.
Too often fathers disappear and the mothers struggle to bring up these boys alone. This young man clearly was troubled, and I think MAGICIAN was pointing this out. The US immigration will not round up Belizeans for no reason. Mothers with young children start bringing up your boys and girls in good environments so that they can grow.
LP: I am really sorry for your lost. I sincerely mean this, I could feel the pain you are going through with what you wrote. Its also evident that your mom brought you up well, because it is easy to use bad words trying to defend yourself and the name of your brother but you didn’t. I also know that a mother could have several children and there is one who do the opposite of all the other children but you still keep loving them.
I have 3 brothers and 5 sisters (I know big family, we never had TV in those days) and we use to have a bad egg but luckily he’s a respectable man now with his wife and kids. So we had a lucky escape. God Bless you, LP.
Why can’t we all accept the fact that no one is longer safe in the jewel?.What has the GOB done after little Eyannie’s death to decrease crime in the jewel?Nothing i mean nada.How many time do i haveto say that until Mr Barrow send a serious message to the criminals in the jewel that nothing will change.This young man’s death has nothing to do with the fact that he grew up in the US.Everyone in the jewel is vurnerable.Maybe the crime wave haven’t got to some of our homes.However that doesn’t mean we are safe.Little Eyannie got killed at home not bothering anyone.Lets get to the real issue an stop talking BS.
Another tragic unsolved murder,
I must disagree however with those who wish to lay blame on US Immigration policy.
Apparently this man (far from a boy) was deported after conviction for violent robbery, not his first criminal offence. Had he been a foreigner convicted for a crime in Belize he most certainly would have likewise have been deported. Sincere condolences to his family, without knowing specifics, it would be irrational to blame them either.
Its such a sad story to read . I have 3 sons and I hope and pray nuthin like this ever happens to any of them . Something needs to be done about the crime in Belize I read the papers online and every paper has murder in it . One of my sons goes down there to play and I am worried sick from the time he tells me he is going there until he comes back here . I give him all types of dos and do nots before he leaves and even when he calls me from there .I also warn him about the skany women down there . Any way because of what happened the last time he was there he has vowed never to return .
I need to go down there right now and pay property taxes but not seeing that happening any time soon .If I knew how to get in touch with City Council I would quickly mail the cheque .
Anyway Belizeans hold your heads up and try to live right with each other , stop killing each other .This is not the Belize I left almost 40 yrs ago and used to boast about .
One American who visited there likened it to Detroit ! Thats not a compliment at all .I was very embarassed when she told me this but what could I say ?
I thank God that my mom and dad are gone already because I would have hated for some of those thugs down there to have down something to them . It would have been on then !
Peace out ya all !!!!!!
Julia, as a Belizean who have spent most of my life in the US, please know that unless you are doing something illegal there is no reason you should be deported. Keep your nose clean & surround yourself with people who are not screw ups. As far as the attitudes of our countrymen when we visit, understand that some are resentful because you got out but speak to them just the same.
Karen Q., I too have a brother who after spending most of his life in the states, was deported, I know what stories my siblings tell, I also know the truth. Your brother may be the exception but mine deserved his fate; he broke the law over & over & over again.
that was my friend a good man we just wnted him 2 come home
r i p shurlock u an cardell watch ova us luv yall n miss yall