Post-mortem: Guatemalans died of gunshots

Forensic examinations on the bodies of two men found near the Guatemalan border in the Chiquibul National Park have determined the men were shot to death. Belizean pathologists conducted autopsies on the bodies on Tuesday and have concluded that firearm wounds, believed to be from shotguns, are the cause of death in both cases. The bodies were in such an advanced state of decomposition they were burned on the spot. Based on evidence discovered in the area where the bodies were found, authorities now believe that the men were either involved in or stumbled upon illegal logging activity and were killed as a result. Initial reports were that the men were part of a three-man team from Peten, who crossed the border to reap Xate leaves on Monday December third, but failed to return. A family member, out searching for the men, found the bodies on December ninth, about two kilometres inside the Belize border. According to officials in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it is suspected that the third man is also dead as there is a distinct smell of rotting remains in the area, but so far searches have not found the body.