Rape suspect still hiding in jungle

Aaron Juan, a suspect in the alleged rape of three British teenagers earlier this month, has still not returned home to San Ignacio where he is wanted for questioning. Family members tell News Five that they are urging him to turn himself in and expect to see him shortly. Sources indicate that, contrary to reports that Juan crossed the border into Guatemala, the twenty-four year old tour guide simply retreated deep into one of numerous jungle areas in Cayo that he knows well. Meanwhile, the U.K. based tour company that arranged and supervised the trip by fifteen British high school girls, Adventure Lifesigns, has released a statement on the incident. It reads as follows. “I am able to confirm that on the first of August 2005 a serious incident occurred involving one of our expedition teams in Belize. This unforeseen incident has shocked us all and our thoughts are with the girls and their families at this time. I can also confirm that those involved are receiving ongoing support. The safety of our teams on expeditions is our number one priority. As soon as the incident was reported to us, our practiced operational procedures came into effect. Unfortunately, we cannot comment on the details of this incident due to the sensitive nature of the ongoing police investigation. We are very grateful for the help and support of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and are cooperating fully with the police investigation. Should this situation change, we will of course contact you.”

Aaron’s father, Nazim Juan, yesterday told News Five that contrary to allegations made by the girls, his son told him that it was he who was seduced by the young women, who had been drinking heavily that night. There is also evidence to suggest that three British chaperons who accompanied the group were well aware of the consumption of alcohol by the students and in fact permitted it to take place.