Attorney Richard Stuart and wife, Maria, murdered in home
richard & Maria Stuart
The news spread like wildfire, attorney Richard Stuart and his wife Maria were repeatedly stabbed at his home just before midnight on Saturday after a Bar Association dinner. Their murder was horrific and shocking. Stuart, a former magistrate who moved into private practice, was well known and highly connected in the United Democratic Party. His wife was a chartered accountant, they both had four children. Details are still coming in, but his vehicle used as the getaway car, was located near Saint Matthew’s village on the Western Highway this afternoon and police are questioning one person and looking for others. Stuart and his wife were attacked as they walked into the foyer of their home. Their housekeeper was on the third floor with the sleeping children. How their killers gained entry into the house is still not confirmed and News Five’s Jose Sanchez looks back at the Stuarts’ lives.
Jose Sanchez, Reporting
Forty three year old Attorney, Richard Stuart, and his wife Maria, also forty-three, were murdered on Saturday night at their home on Graduate Crescent in West Landivar. The couple had moved from Dolphin Drive to West Landivar only two months ago. But when the coupled arrived home, assailants were waiting for them on the second floor of the building. Neighbors allegedly heard the screams that preceded the bloodbath. Stuart and his wife were stabbed repeatedly with their own kitchen knife. Police officers arrived at eleven-fifty-six p.m. and found the Stuarts lying face up in a pool of blood. On the third floor, the housekeeper was reportedly found hiding in a closet and two of the Stuart’s four children were in their rooms. The couple, seen here in a picture of happier times, had just returned home about a Bar Association dinner for former Chief Justice Abdulai Conteh. The Stuarts sat at a table with fellow attorney Dolores Balderamos Garcia. Garcia recollected their last dinner.
dolores balderamos
Dolores Balderamos Garcia, Attorney
“So actually at our table it was only Leo Bradley Junior and myself and Richard and Maria and we had a most cordial time and conversation. We chatted about family, we chatted about various things that their children are from nine going down to only months old. And so I was jinxing them and telling them that they have a long way to go in parenting. We chatted about various things. Richard was talking about one of his cases in family court, but he’s a most pleasant gentleman. I have to tell you it hasn’t even sunken in good as yet.”
Black bows are placed on the doors of the Anglican Diocese of Belize’s office, because Stuart was a prominent and active member of the church. In fact Bishop Phillip Wright says he was also his friend.
Bishop Phillip Wright, Anglican Diocese of Belize
Bishop Phillip Wright
“I went by to be with the family. When you receive news of that nature, you appreciate the impact that it can have on their family. As one of their pastors I felt like to be with them and pray with them, was an important thing.”
Jose Sanchez
“If you can share a little bit about the people you knew.”
Bishop Phillip Wright
“First of all in terms of the church, Richard was a very supportive and very dependable member often going beyond the call of duty, if you will, to serve the church. He was also our diocesan registrar which means he held a senior lay position in the church and was one of the legal consultants of the church along with the chancellor.”
Jose Sanchez
“So this is someone clearly that was very much with the church and that makes it even more a bit of a tragedy.”
Bishop Phillip Wright
“Oh definitely, definitely. It has impacted us tremendously. Also for the fact too that this week starting tomorrow, we go into Synod which is the highest governing body meeting of the church and Richard would have played a significant role in that meeting and his counsel his insights were always very much appreciated.”
Jose Sanchez
“A valuable member of society loss.”
Bishop Phillip Wright
“Very much so and if I may add, a personal friend. Because outside of our responsibilities in the church, we shared a friendship; and we took trips together. He was also our representative on one of our major regional bodies, the Standing Committee of the Province which meant that we would have an opportunity sometimes to travel together. A colleague, a friend and in some respects someone that I had grown to respect quite a bit.”
No signs of forced entry were found in the building. The assailants might have climbed up the scaffolds on the side of the building which was still being expanded, or the other theory is that they may have entered with a copy of a key. Reporting for News Five, Jose Sanchez
Police are still looking at recent events that could shed light into the murder of the Stuarts including the possibility that a former employee may be involved.
I agree with most of what is being said about the crimes in Belize,but it is up to Belizeans living in Belize to do what is necessary to correct this situation. first, there has to be a strongs leader who can unite the people,regardles of party affiliation. Surely,there must be some educated, patriotic, inspiring person who TRULY loves his/her country who can organize and get the people’s support. Once that is established, put the country under Marshall law and take care of this crime by cleaning house. Hire outside entities to audit etc. all the government departments. That will assist in weeding out the corruptions.
As much as I love my country, I am absolutely not interested in visiting until we can do something about the Crimes.
Mein this sucks! She used to look after me when my nanny had to do any errands.
Yes I agree wish Sasha let the Brits come in a clean this damn country for all the senseless killing going on. Jeeze 4 kids stayed without a mother and without a father.
I am totally pissed off and angry about my friends Richard and Maria. They have been brutally murdered and this must not go on this way. This is bluddy sick and the government must do more to protect people’s lives. I see no vision on the gov’t side to curb crime. The Prime Minister has to do something. He was sworn in office to lead. I cannot see the leadership on crime yet. Restore Belize is a waste of time when those at the helm dont know what the world to restore. Hang these punks high in the public at the swing bridge and invite everyone. Call a curfew and inact marshall law. Stop all bicycle riding by six in the evening. Declare war on these jokers. Bulldoze their place of haven and build decent homes in those spaces. Shoot to kill. Buy the darn forensic machine. Mr. P.M. you are getting a failing grade right about now and as an intelligent man you should know that. Call a spade a spade. If you cant stand the smoke then do the decent thing and get out the kitchen since you are so transparent and honest. You know in your heart you are getting a failing grade on crime control. This is a UDP talking and you better listen or else you have just one term as usual. Your problem is that you dont like to listen as though you know everything. May I say you are not so smart as you think you are. You are just giving fuel to the Blue which i thought would have been a dead party. Watch what you are doing. I am sick and tired of this bs crime thing which continues to plague us. Do Something and let the Belizean public hear your voice on the issue.
Wow! Belizean are being stab, shot, murdered in their own homes. It cannot get any worst than that. I grew up in the 60’s ; and some Belizean BACK THEN were reluctant to travel to the US, afraid they could get kill in the United States. Sadly, now it is safer to live in (US) Los Angeles than your own country.
CONDOLENCES TO THE STUART FAMILY.
Condolences to the Stuart Family! The law makers need to make sure the punishment is harsh for such crime. I mean it is human life we are talking about here. If these killers would make such a decision to take away some one’s life, then why the law or the judiciary system can not award a death sentence to them without appeal? Now, the kids no longer has a family with parents. I don’t see the point that they should have any rights at all. Once it can be confirm that yes he or she killed someone for no reason or for the personal reason, then yet they get so much privilege. Isnt bible says, an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. I think we need to go back to the basics. That maybe the possibility to make a change in the situation. Ones that really deserve to DIE, then let them get what they deserve, but the ones deserve to live, then give a second chance. Is it right for him to take away Mr. & Mrs. Stuart’s life? No and then if he so decided to take away their life then there should be nothing wrong when one or us decided to take way his! It is not revenge but it is the basic principle.
I did not personally know this couple but I would never wish this upon anyone. We will get those killers if we persevere, and even if he was from the ruling party it proves no one is untouchable. I ask ministers from Belize I hope leaders are not next no matter how much we may or we may not agree, I would never wish this on any Belizean. Once you get em stone them to death and bury them alive till you hear them scream. AN eye for an EYE. This empty your will to live man! Anyways I am more sad than angry and encourage our police and military to fight not only this type of crime but that of corruption, you are still respected for the job you do. Thank you to anyone that is fighting crime they need to be recognized and well paid. God bless.
Maybe people wanting to cause a coup de etat or somn more behind this smell fishy…these killings them dih go up the ladder, Belizeans wake up! help each other, help uphold law by cooperating and not covering these infiltrators and corruptors of your families and friends that may blindly turn you against your own Belizean blood man! Once you start down that road its hard fu come back look what is happening to Mexico, etc.
How long shall we grieve the lost of our human integrity? How long shall we endure this total lack of respect for human life in our society/ies? We are so many and all have their personal solutions to our social problems, we blame government, social development programs, human rights ect, ect. These social ills are all our problem, we need to ask ourselves what can we do for our country, how can we assist in eliminating these plagues of our society? I personally would agree with capital punishment for one, why? Because the perpetrator of such crime will not have the chance to repeat such an atrocity, most of these crimes are being committed with immunity, immunity from immediate consequences against the perpetrator. Most of us are God fearing people that would not walk the path of these delinquents so we only stand to get hurt by them. I would like to write a lot more but decided to just end with what I believe is the ultimate answer to our collective demise, THE BELIZE NATIONAL PRAYER is a demonstration of that!
Almighty and eternal God, who through Jesus Christ has revealed Your Glory to all nations, please protect and preserve Belize our beloved country.
God of might, wisdom, and justice, please assists our Belizean
government and people with Your Holy Spirit of counsel and
fortitude.
Let the light of Your divine wisdom direct their plans and endeavours so that with Your help we may attain our just objectives. With Your guidance, may all our endeavours
tend to peace, social justice, liberty, national happiness,
the increase of industry, sobriety and useful knowledge.
We pray, O God of Mercy, for all of us that we may be blessed
in the knowledge of Your most holy law, that we may be preserved in union and in that peace which the world itself cannot give. And, after enjoying the blessings of this life,
please admit us dear Lord, to that eternal reward that You
have prepared for those who love You. Amen
we are helpless because the ppl we expect to help us are the biggest criminals in our society .our only hope is the public of Belize because the state aint help gonna a !!!!!!!!
Where is Dean when all the rampant murders and senseless crimes are happening? Why have they not shown their faces to console the people suffering form these tragedies. Remember Dean you asked for the job now grow some ….s and do your damn job.
Oh, he is probably in Miami taking in the sun and getting a nice tan.
Listen folk, I do not want to come across as ignorant but this … will have to hit not close to home but rather at home for something to be done. The politicians can care less for the common Belizeans, they are locked up in their A/C mansions with security and body guards.
Damn even Dean doesn’t trust the place he lives in nor the plans he implemented to deal with crime. We need leaders with …., with moral standards, with the want and determination to really be for the people and do what’s in the people’s best interest at all times.
We need a revolution in Belize, one that will show the politicians that Belizeans mean business. Dean called for civil unrest before last election, I call not for civil disobedience but for civil uprising.
All of us Belizeans need to grow some spines and stand up for our rights, they do not have power over us and if we make enough noise and show enough force they will have to listen and move when we tell them to move.
Watch out, Revolution a come!
By the ballot or the bullet, by the bible or the gun. Any which way freedom must come.
Bring back corporal punishment and do away with these evil doers. This problem stems from the govt officials all the way down to the little man being paid to do the dirty work and they all must go.
First I will take a degree of responsibility to the general conditions in Belize,because I left the country.Second. The Institutions ie; the church-trade & labour unions-teachers-police-BDF-bar ssociation
NOG’s-doctors/nurses-mothers-even fathers-banks/credit unions-public workers union/GOB workers-the private business-and most of all “THE PEOPLE” SHUT-UP / GET-UP / MOVE-UP &
SHUT DOWN / STRIKE – PLEASE. -STRIKE TOGETHER
Until the institutions of BELIZE and THIER CONSCIENCE AND THEIR RESPONSIBILITY to general balance of THEIR SOCIETY Then no one should complain.JUST SHUT-UP and deal with the …. Talking is just a waste of time. Hope no one got kill tonight.
its very very very sad but you guys are missing the point if we move udp and put pup in we are just wasting our time we need new people mix them up some people still have a heart we have them in the phalm of our hand lets pay them back on election day dont take money from them dont vote for them they cant vote for themself even if we vote when they get in they dont anthing for us anyway the cant vote for themself lets pay them back next election two dollars cant a vote its worth much much much pay back is a …….
We the people of Belize need to stand together, United as One, and stop this madness ourselves. We can no longer continue to beg our government for help. This strategy is self defeating. The saying “Beggars can’t be Choosers” is true. If we are going to solve these problems, it can only come from within our communities. We need to be the change we want to see in this world and in our own country. All we do is criticize, complain, and point fingers. When was the last time any of you came up with your own solutions to the problems facing us today? Are we so lazy that we need to beg the government to do it for us? What about when our forebears had no rights at all. When freedom was a dream. We had no government then, and we solved our own problems.
The government cannot save us from ourselves. That is an impossibility. There are underlying causes of the problems we have today in our society. What we are experiencing are the symptoms not the problems. Gang violence is a symptom of poverty. Corruption is a symptom of selfishness and greed. I can list all the symptoms but there is no need we all live them every day.
How do we work together to change these things in our lives? How do we treat the symptoms, so that we can solve the problems? This is the question we all need to be asking ourselves right now. How can we start to make a difference in our lives and in other peoples lives? We have to start with small steps, then we progress to medium steps, then we take big steps and eventually we take giant leaps. Probably the biggest problem in our lives right now is food security. How many of us can relate to being unable to feed ourselves adequately? How many of us can say that we are not healthy because we do not eat healthy? I urge every Belizean in and out of country to start at home by growing your own foods in an organic way. you do not need much space to grow food. We can use the internet to learn about the different ways, or we can go to existing farms here in Belize or we can travel to neighbouring countries to learn at other farms. But we can learn how to do it. If every person in Belize was growing their own food. They would be much more independent in their lives. If you run out of food for a month, your neighbour might be able to share some until you can repay them by sharing yours.
This is just the first step. I propose that there be a youth initiative to investigate sustainable alternatives for all of us. Lets come together to get ourselves out of this mess. Trust me when I say that NOBODY WILL DO IT FOR YOU!!!!!! You can vote for any party you want forever and ever, They will not fix your problems for you. it is up to all of us to undo what has been done.
My condolences to the stuart family, I am so shocked I ran out of words, we need to take the law into our own hands now as there will not be an end to the crime wave in Belize, we have very incompetent police officers and as well as government ministers. Why are we talking to the gang members????????????? we make them feel very special when we do that
too bad! just another gangster gone.\
The solution to every crime and criminal tendencies is JESUS! We need to ALL go back to Jesus. Not RELIGION but JESUS! Surrender our lives to Him, walk with Him daily and be intimate with Him daily obeying His teachings. Talking about it will not help us, let’s just DO IT! Let’s just GO BACK TO GOD! Belizeans let’s go back to God! Belizeans let’s go back to God! Belizeans let’s go back to God! Belizeans let’s go back to God! Belizeans let’s go back to God! Belizeans let’s go back to God! Belizeans let’s go back to God! Belizeans let’s go back to God! Belizeans let’s go back to God! Belizeans let’s go back to God! Belizeans let’s go back to God! Belizeans let’s go back to God! Belizeans let’s go back to God! Belizeans let’s go back to God! Belizeans let’s go back to God! Belizeans let’s go back to God! Belizeans let’s go back to God! Belizeans let’s go back to God! Belizeans let’s go back to God! Belizeans let’s go back to God! Belizeans let’s go back to God! Belizeans let’s go back to God! Belizeans let’s go back to God!