Foul Play Suspected in the Death of a Canadian National in Hopkins

James Slemp

Police are also investigating the suspected murder of a Canadian national who was reported missing on Friday, after a friend was unable to make contact with him. Just before eleven a.m., James Slemp was found dead in the lagoon on the Hopkins Road. The seventy-nine-year-old man was living in the Fresh Water area on the road leading to the village, where he was developing a farm. A search of the area this morning led to the discovery of the body, which had apparent injuries to the back.  Police suspect foul play in the death investigation of Slemp. Assistant Commissioner of Police Joseph Myvett shared a preliminary report on the investigation at today’s police press briefing in Belmopan.

Joseph Myvett

ACP Joseph Myvett, Head, National Crimes Investigation Branch

“On Friday, shortly before midnight, one Thomas Pou visited Hopkins Police Station and he reported that his friend, one James Slemp, seventy-nine years Canadian national who lives somewhere on the Hopkins Road was not answering his phone and was being reported missing as the last time Mister Slemp was seen and heard from was sometime around midday on Friday. As a result, police launched an investigation within the area, conducting searches. A short while ago, his body was recovered in a lagoon, not too far from his residence, with apparent injuries to the back. The body is being retrieved at this time where a post-mortem is expected to be conducted tomorrow. Police are seeking one person whom they believe can assist them in this investigation.”

Duane Moody

“Suspected foul play?”

ACP Joseph Myvett

“Yes, we do believe so, based on the injuries.”