D.F.C. employee missing in suspicious incident
Tonight, Belmopan police are still searching for clues after a man went missing under highly suspicious circumstances. Rumours as to the reasons behind the disappearance of twenty-eight year old Mark Ireland ran wild today, especially after police took Ireland’s girlfriend into custody for intensive questioning. With the latest from the capital city, we go to News 5’s Jacqueline Woods.
Jacqueline Woods, Reporting
Today, the staff and management of the Development Finance Corporation remain in shock over the mysterious disappearance of their Chief Appraisal Officer, twenty-eight year old Mark Ireland. Ireland was last seen at the D.F.C. compound around 8:00 Friday night. Sometime later, he went missing from his home in “Tiger Town”, Belmopan.
Police say at this time they are treating the incident as a missing persons case and not as a kidnapping. According to authorities, despite the close proximity of the houses in this neighbourhood, neighbours say they did not see or hear anything.
It is not known what transpired at Ireland’s residence between Friday night and early Saturday morning. His girlfriend, Vinette Gladden, went to his house early Saturday morning and became alarmed at what she found. This morning, Gladden told News 5 that she found Ireland’s front door open, the lights on inside the house and his wallet in the toilet. Gladden also noticed that several items including a computer and a television were gone. The police say Ireland’s vehicle, a white Cherokee, is also missing. His co-workers are worried.
Omar Silva, Public Relations Officer, D.F.C.
“We were saddened and disturbed at the information, to learn that he was suddenly missing. We liased with the police, and we know that they’re appealing to the public from their end, who might have any information leading to the person or persons that have some sort of responsibility towards this thing.”
Jacqueline Woods
“Does D.F.C. believe that his disappearance may be connected with something he may have been working on here?”
Omar Silva
“I don’t have any reason to believe that, if we do, then we would be speculating and we leave that to the police.”
Today, the Gladden family was deeply disturbed that the police detained Vinette Gladden this morning. According to authorities, Gladden is not a suspect, but can assist in the investigation. As Gladden was being taken over to Ireland’s house, we took the opportunity to speak with her, but she did not have much to say about what she previously told the press.
Vinette Gladden
“I have nothing to say right now, I just want Mark come home.”
That’s exactly the sentiments echoed by Ireland’s family. Ireland’s aunt, Ionie Gillett, has been working tirelessly to find her nephew.
Ionie Gillett, Aunt
“He is a loving person, caring person.”
Jacqueline Woods
“So this probably makes it even more difficult for the family because you don’t know why anyone would want to hurt Mark.”
Ionie Gillett
No, he is not a violent person or anything. He is a loving person, he’s always laughing, bids you the hour.”
Jacqueline Woods
“There are a lot of speculations out there, a lot of rumours…”
Ionie Gillett
“I don’t want to hear it. I just want a positive answer, my nephew is alive.”
The family has been posting flyers in the Belmopan area in the hope that someone may have seen Mark Ireland. If you have any information that can help the police solve this case, please call 08-23410 or 08-23063. Reporting for News 5, Jacqueline Woods.
Several search parties established by both Ireland’s family and his co-workers spent the weekend scouring the area and they say they will continue to search until he is found.
