Residents converge outside magistrate’s court for arraignment of suspected killers

As we told you earlier, more than three hundred residents gathered in front of the Orange Walk Police Station and Magistrate’s Court this morning. Reports circulated early that those persons detained for the kidnapping and murder of Ramon Cervantes Sr. would be formally arraigned today. The Police have remained tight-lipped and evasive about the investigation. Unofficial reports have been rampant, including allegations that police officers have been detained for involvement in a kidnapping ring. There has been talk of a list of prominent Orange Walk individuals targeted by this ring, as well as reports of a current manhunt for the man believed to be the mastermind, a recent deportee from the U.S.  Still, it is all unconfirmed, at least at this point, as police remain very cagey in their comments. Mike Rudon returned to Orange Walk this morning to try and get some answers.

Mike Rudon, Reporting

Holding signs demanding justice for Mr. Ramon, residents of Orange Walk waited for the moment when the persons detained for involvement in the kidnapping and murder of Ramon Cervantes Sr. would be escorted to court to be arraigned. They were angry at the senseless murder of one of their own. Unconfirmed but credible reports are that Ramon Cervantes Sr. was bound hand and foot, his eyes covered and his head bashed in before he was thrown into a shallow grave and buried. It is also reported that the stick used to beat him to death was buried with him. Police are not denying those reports…but they are tight-lipped because the discovery of Cervantes’ body does not mean that the investigation is ended.

Joseph Myvette

Sr. Supt. Joseph Myvette, Commander, Northern Zone

“The body was somewhat decomposed. The forensic pathologist is saying that the time of death was sometime around the second July in the evening.”

Reporter

“Sir, there are credible reports that Police Officers have been detained and questioned in this situation. Could you confirm or deny that?”

Sr. Supt. Joseph Myvette

“At this point in time as I mentioned, I would certainly not want to go in-depth into the investigation as it is very much ongoing.”

Reporter

“Do you guys at least have the main person, the one heading this whole operation?”

Sr. Supt. Joseph Myvette

“I would not want to speculate on that at this point in time either.”

Reporter

“Can you be specific as to how many people you are seeking, how many were detained and released?”

Sr. Supt. Joseph Myvette

“I do not have that figure right now but I know for certain that quite a few persons were detained, at least more than twelve.”

Several names have been called during the investigation, including that of Manuel Castillo. Castillo is allegedly a deportee from the US, and also allegedly, very much involved in the kidnapping of Ramon Cervantes Sr.

Reporter

“Manuel Castillo and Araceli Duran…what is their affiliation in this investigation?”

Sr. Supt. Joseph Myvette

“Well, none of them are here, and we are continuing our investigation.”

Reporter

“Are they somehow linked to this kidnapping?”

Sr. Supt. Joseph Myvette

“I would not be in a position to say that.”

Reporter

“The persons that are being detained and should be charged today…can you disclose their names?”

Sr. Supt. Joseph Myvette

“No I will not do that because I am saying that the evidence that we have gathered so far was submitted to the D.P.P., and it is based on her directive whether or not any charges will be preferred on anyone. It is not dependent on us to decide who will be charged, especially as it relates to an indictable matter.”

While the Police await the advice of the D.P.P., residents of Orange Walk are demanding justice. A memorial service for Ramon Cervantes Sr. was held in Orange Walk this evening. Mike Rudon for News Five.