Murder Among Belizean Cousins in Chetumal
Saul Pech
An Orange Walk man is accused of killing his cousin in the early hours of the morning over in Chetumal. The murder sent shockwaves across that northern municipality because the Pech cousins were well-known – not just in the north, but across the music scene, particularly in the rock band community. The tight knit duo made up two thirds of a band – but what happened has left everyone with more questions than answers. What we do know at this moment is that Romario is being held for Saul’s murder at an apartment in Chetumal. News Five’s Andrea Polanco headed north today where she spoke with the third man who made up the band and lives at the apartment.
Andrea Polanco, Reporting
Nineteen-year-old Saul Pech was stabbed and killed on the balcony of his apartment in Chetumal around two a.m. Mexican time. Following a night out in town that involved a bit of drinking and singing, Saul Pech went home with his cousin Romario Pech. They were as close as brothers – and also shared a love for music. That night, Saul went out to support his cousin who performed at a local spot in Chetumal. But something went very wrong in a short space of time. Saul Pech’s housemate, Selvin Miranda, left the two cousins in the apartment briefly to buy food. But when he returned he was not prepared for what he found – his friend stabbed to the chest and dying.
Selvin Miranda
Selvin Miranda, Friend, Band Mate & Roommate
“Last night they told me that they had fun because the singer did sing at a place at a live music spot and they were happy about it. They were commenting that it was a wonderful performance. To see this, they were both happy.”
Andrea Polanco
“Now, how did you receive this news that one of your best friends was killed?”
Selvin Miranda
“Actually, I was there when this happened. Well, I couldn’t do anything to stop it. It caught me off guard but I was present at the site where this happened in Chetumal.”
Andrea Polanco
“So, this happened inside his apartment?”
Selvin Miranda
“No. It happened outside his apartment on the veranda, like a veranda outside.”
Andrea Polanco
“Was there drinking involved?”
Selvin Miranda
“Yes. Both of them – Saul and Romario – they went out and they were having fun. I was at my room. I was studying and we decided to go for some tacos. When I came back I entered the room and gave four steps and after that I just heard Saul say ‘Help me’ ‘Ayudame – llevame al hospital’ and that was his last words I heard.”
But there wasn’t much help that Miranda could offer. Saul Pech walked out and collapsed here in the yard of the apartment. So, Miranda ran to get help from a nearby hospital. But it was too late. Saul Pech died shortly after. And the Mexican authorities have detained Romario Pech.
Selvin Miranda
“The last time I saw him with breath was when he told me help me. After that I saw him on the ground unconscious.”
Andrea Polanco
“Okay. So, he was stabbed to what part of the body?”
Selvin Miranda
“He was stabbed to the upper right chest.”
Andrea Polanco
“And where was Romario in all of this? Was he still in the house? Was he talking with you?”
Selvin Miranda
“Romario was in the room. And since Saul was walking, I walked behind him and tried to help him but he fell to the ground. I decided to run because we have a nearby hospital which is Hospital General de Chetumal which is not that far from where we lived. So, I went out for help and Romario stayed there.”
Andrea Polanco
“Did Romario indicate what happened? What led to this? They have so many pictures together; they play in the band together and they are relatives, I understand, as well?”
Selvin Miranda
“As to what I know, Romario – I didn’t see anything between them. But I don’t know. Romario didn’t tell me anything after. He just told me like ‘sorry.’”
Andrea Polanco
“And the police came and collected him?”
Selvin Miranda
“Yes. The police came and they did their job. They put him under arrest and they detained me for investigation too.”
Andrea Polanco
“In terms of a weapon used; was this like a kitchen knife?”
Selvin Miranda
“Yeah. Actually, it was a kitchen knife of the same kitchen in the apartment.”
The trio – Saul the drummer, Romario the vocalist and Selvin the guitarist – made up the rock band called Wonderless. They have been in existence for about four years. These videos and pictures showed the band during happier times. The cousins were extremely close and not much is known as to what caused the killing.
Selvin Miranda
“This is very hard for me because actually both are my friends; the one deceased was my friend and the doer was one of my good friends also – he was the singer. So, it is very hard for me right now.”
Andrea Polanco
“Right; the three of you made up this band; how long did you have this band going?”
Selvin Miranda
“Since 2013 and we tried to play even though we didn’t have the opportunity to be big – we always tried to play and do things.”
Miranda also shared the apartment with Pech – they were both students at this institution at Chetumal. He was in his second year of school and is described as a fun and outgoing person. Ironically, just hours before he was killed Saul Pech posted this picture to Facebook with this Spanish caption that when loosely translated means “give me a kiss to last me until I die.”
Selvin Miranda
“Yes. He was a very fun person. He liked to have fun. He was always around me.”
Andrea Polanco
“Now, he lived in Chetumal – was he studying?”
Selvin Miranda
“Actually I lived with him at the same house. He was studying civil engineering and I am currently studying electrical engineering at the same institute – Instituto Tecnologico de Chetumal.”
Reporting for News Five, I’m Andrea Polanco.
