George Hyde charged for the murder of retired Canadian national

George Hyde

Canadian Keith Haslam was murdered on Friday, his decomposed body found early Sunday morning on a farm outside Buena Vista in the Cayo District. The man who led San Ignacio Police to the body is George Hyde. He confessed to killing Haslam in what is being called a jealous rage, apparently over Haslam’s wife, Ruth Jones. Despite the confession, when News Five covered the story on Monday Hyde had not been charged, since his file had been sent to the DPP for advice. Second in command of the San Ignacio Police Formation Inspector Reymundo Reyes says they got the advice, and late yesterday evening George Hyde was charged for the murder of Keith Haslam.

Insp. Reymundo Reyes, Deputy O.C., San Ignacio Police Formation

“The directive was given; he was formally arrested and charged last night. This morning he was arraigned at the San Ignacio Magistrate Court and he has been remanded to prison.”

Reporter

“Sir can you give us an idea of what was the situation why he wasn’t charged immediately? We were made to understand that you guys were getting an additional statement. Can you give us an idea as to what wsa necessary for this charge to be laid this time?”

Reymundo Reyes

Insp. Reymundo Reyes

“On all major investigations, we ought to consult the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution. We get witness statements and police reports; we forward it to her office and after perusing, if there is further work to be done, then she asks us for what we need to get and send it back to her so that she can make her proper judgment that yes police can go ahead. And police could go ahead and arrest and charge.”

In November, George Hyde and the same woman, Ruth Jones, were primary suspects in the murder of Roaring Creek taxi-man Orlando Smith. Hyde allegedly confessed to that murder also before later claiming self defense.