1-Year-Old Drowns in Bella Vista, Toledo

Joseph Myvett

Police are investigating the drowning of a one-year-old baby boy in southern Belize. On Tuesday, Independence Police visited the polyclinic where Christopher Daniel Cruz was seen motionless. According to the child’s mother, she left her baby in the care of his grandfather in Bella Vista Village, Toledo District. She would later find baby Christopher floating in a small pond of water near her house. While foul play is not suspected and the body awaits a post mortem examination, will any charges of neglect be levied against the mother or grandfather?

ACP Joseph Myvett, Head, National Crimes Investigation Branch

“Initial police investigation revealed that Giselle Osgalla along with her one-year-old child was at home and she was washing and left the child in the company of one Nestor Cruz. When she began looking for the child sometime around eleven-fifteen a.m., she found the child in a shallow pond in the yard motionless. As a result, the body was transported to the Independence Polyclinic where he was confirmed to be dead.”

Duane Moody

“Will there be any charges levied on any of these persons for neglect? We are seeing more cases where young children are dying as a result of negligence.”

ACP Joseph Myvett

“Well at this point in time, it is an ongoing investigation. Statements are being recorded and those will then be submitted to the D.P.P. for her directive on the matter.”