Robbery turns to murder on Southern Highway

Police have yet to make an arrest in the beating murder of a farmer from the Stann Creek District. The incident occurred on Friday afternoon at the home of thirty-seven year old Jose Rodriguez while the family prepared for lunch at their home at mile one and a half on the Southern Highway. Rodriguez’s wife, forty-eight year old Ana Linarez, reported to police that at around one that afternoon she was baking tortillas when she heard someone scream. Linarez said she looked outside and saw three men clobbering her husband repeatedly with the butt of a shotgun. A family friend who was visiting at the time went to her husband’s aid, but he was soon overpowered. The attackers then took him and the badly wounded Rodriguez inside the house. They tied up the visitor and Linarez and began asking about money. After ransacking the house, they left with only her cell phone. Linarez said she managed to free herself and went to call police but when she returned, found Rodriguez unconscious. He later died from his wounds while receiving treatment at the Southern Regional Hospital. Police say they have no leads and believe the motive of the attack was robbery. They appeal to anyone who might have information on the crime to call the nearest police station. Ana Linarez says Friday was the first time she saw any of the three attackers.