After partying with family, Sandhill resident killed

Ryan Cox

Last week, the Ministry of National Security announced that major crimes, murder in particular, has decreased for the first five months of the year, when compared to 2012. But though the numbers have dipped, two persons were killed over the weekend.  A charge has not been issued for the murder of a Sandhill resident, but what is known is that his family and friends were with him not too long before he died. Duane Moody reports.

Duane Moody, Reporting

The news spread like wildfire throughout the New Site Area in the Village of Sandhill, Belize District. Just after four a.m., twenty-six year old Ryan Cox was seen lying face down in a pool of his own blood; dead in the middle of the street, less than a block from his home.  Hours earlier,  Ryan, believed to be intoxicated, was last seen leaving a residence where he was socializing with friends and family.

ASP Calbert Flowers, Acting Rural Executive Officer, Police Department

Calbert Flowers

“Upon examination of the body, police observed a single stab wound to the chest. The body was taken to the K.H.M.H. where it was pronounced dead on arrival. Our investigation so far reveals that Ryan Cox was socializing and drinking with a group of friends and family not far from where his body was discovered. Information also received that he left that residence highly under the influence sometime shortly after twelve o’clock a.m.  His body was discovered sometime around four a.m.”

The trail of blood about a hundred yards away from where the body was found is a clear indication that Ryan did not die instantly, but collapsed in the middle of the street. First to make the gory discovery was Antonio Cal, who then notified Ryan’s father.

Antonio Cal

Antonio Cal, First to Arrive on Scene

“I was coming from my own…usually it is something I do every morning. When I coming from through dah lamppost, I see this thing. I noh know dah what. When I approach, I know dah my friend, Ryan Cox. But when I approach I see blood. I hurry gone back and call ih pa. And tell Mister Cox come, yo son dead out deh.”

And shortly after his family was notified. Ryan’s aunt, Jean Cox, said when she received the tragic news, she first thought he was shot; but later found out that he was stabbed once to the heart.

Jean Cox, Aunt of Murder Victim

“When I went out there, I saw him lying down, face down on the ground bleeding.”

Duane Moody

“What are they saying happened?”

Jean Cox

Jean Cox

“Well nobody is saying anything at the moment. When they picked him up, dehn saw he got a stabbed in the chest.”

Duane Moody

“One single wound?”

Jean Cox

“One wound. It was very deep and opened and they said that is what caused [his death].”

But who could have brutally taken the life of the youth?

Jean Cox

“Everybody has a dark spot in their life so I guess he was being with the wrong person so. I guess somebody has it out for him.”

ASP Calbert Flowers

“He is known to us. We have dealt with him on several occasions on some minor offences.”

Sadly, Ryan leaves behind three children. No weapon has been recovered at this time, but Police have since detained two persons for questioning in connection with this homicide. Duane Moody for News Five.