Woman is Kidnapped; Handcuffed and Beaten in Belmopan

On Tuesday, we reported on a disturbing case coming out of Belmopan where a young woman was kidnapped by her boyfriend, who beat on her repeatedly. While police say there were no previous reports of domestic violence, the images show that Illona Cooke went through a horrific ordeal at the hands of someone she knew and trusted. Today, Assistant Commissioner of Police Joseph Myvett commented on the case. Now, Cooke was handcuffed to a bed and beaten repeatedly by her boyfriend, Vincent Pascascio, at his house in Belmopan for over a week—between June thirteenth and the twenty-second when she was finally allowed to leave. She made a report to the police station and Pascascio has since been charged for kidnapping and wounding. But as ACP Myvett told the media today, there may be additional charges brought against Pascascio.

Joseph Myvett

ACP Joseph Myvett, Head, National Crimes Investigation Branch

“On Sunday last, one Illona Cooke visited the Belmopan Police Station where they observed facial injuries as well as injuries to her hands. She reported to police that on the thirteenth of June, she was at her boyfriend’s home, one Vincent Pascascio, in the Belmopan area. As a result they got into an argument when she decided to leave and she was reportedly beaten up and later handcuffed. She remained at that area against her will until sometime on the twenty-second of June when she was released. Police have since conducted an investigation into the matter where Mister Vincent Pascascio has since been arrested and charged for the crime of kidnapping as well as wounding. The investigation is still ongoing and there may be other charged preferred against him.”

On a point of clarification, two of the many photos we aired, were not the images of the victim.