Still no charge for Mata Chica Resort death

Fifty-seven year old Gregorio Cornejo fell and drowned after he was punched in the face at Mata Chica Resort on San Pedro Ambergris Caye. The incident happened after seven on Monday night during a staff party.  Oscar Barela of Coral Angel Street on the island was arrested following the incident. There were witnesses to the event, but a directive from the DPP was required for a charge of either manslaughter or murder. But instead of being charged, Barela was released. Police Press Officer Fitzroy Yearwood explained why Barela was temporarily free to go.

Jose Sanchez

“The Mata Chica Resort incident where Oscar Barela is accused of punching, Mr. Cornejo who fell in the water and drown. Barela released; why is that?”

Sergeant Fitzroy Yearwood, Police Press Officer

“Well, like I said, in most of these cases, we have to consult with DPP office and sometimes the advice or directives come back before forty-eight hours. But you know that we detain persons for forty-eight hours in Belize and if do not levy charges on those persons, we release them and then our investigations continue and then when we are at a charge stage where we can levy charges, then we would re-arrest or re-detain that person. In the case of Barela, I am sure that we are awaiting the directive from the DPP’s Office.”

It was reported that Cornejo was still alive when he was pulled from the sea. He was regurgitating water but no one administered CPR on him. When his body was delivered four miles away into San Pedro, it was too late and he was pronounced dead on arrival.