The peace and quiet of Teakettle Village was shattered by the news of a double murder. Two American nationals were killed in what seems a senseless act of violence. A Valley of Peace retiree who was visiting his friend was shot and the Teakettle resident was hacked to death. From all appearances, it has the trappings of a robbery turned murder. Andrea Polanco went to the western village to find out more.
Andrea Polanco, Reporting
It was inside this green structure where the bodies of forty six year old Julian Christopher Jones and sixty one year old Paul David Signorino were discovered around five thirty on Friday evening. When Laura Jo Lambert arrived home from work, as per routine, she called for Jones to open this gate. When there was no response and she realized it wasn’t locked, she went inside and was greeted with a bloody scene. Jones had been chopped to the head and Signorino was shot twice to the left side of the head. On Saturday, police were still processing the area. Chairman Marcus Kingston was on the scene shortly after the bodies were discovered. He, like other villagers, was shocked:
Marcus Kingston, Chairman
Marcus Kingston
“I was in my house last night watching the news and I got a call from one of my councilors and he asked if I knew there was a double murder in the village. I told him no and when he said that, I asked what, who, when, where? He said that just by the road by Pastor Hans church. I said that nobody had told me about it.
When I got there the police were there already and I asked the police what transpired and they said it was a murder scene and that they are processing the scene. I also spoke with the wife of the man that was killed, because apparently it was two of them killed nuh. She said that yes she came home from school and she saw action that had took place there and she was surprised nuh. I myself was surprised didn’t think that would have happened.”
But why kill these men? From all appearances, it was a robbery. The house and two vehicles were ransacked and Jones’ licensed 9mm pistol and point 22 rifles are missing. Kingston says it is rather tragic, but a sign that residents must be vigilant:
Marcus Kingston
“I knew the man for quite some time, for about five years or so. I know him as a very quiet person and it is so sad to know that it is happening in the community. I would like to appeal to the public if anyone has any information or know of any strange person coming in the area to call the police. We have to look after each other in the community because it could be me, you or anybody.”
A friend and former employee knew Jones well. He, like other villagers, says that Jones was very pleasant.
Voice of: Former Employee
“He was a good person to me and I guess to the whole village. He was a friendly person and I know him for about five years.”
Andrea Polanco
“Would you say it was his dream to come and settle here, develop here and live?”
Voice of: Former Employee
“He has more than one property but this is the one he liked the best and he was trying to develop it. But I nuh know what gone wrong.”
Andrea Polanco
“So, when you heard the news, it was a complete shock for you?”
Voice of: Former Employee
“Yes, it was a complete a shock.”
Jones, from all accounts was excited to be investing and spending time in Belize. His well maintained property with ongoing construction shows that he invested a lot. But, like several others who have decided to make Belize their home, foreigners are discovering that crime is reaching into all pockets of society.
Marcus Kingston
“Fr
om the inception of the man coming to Teakettle and staring that place, I was there because as I would call it null and void nuh. He started to develop the place, as a matter of fact, flatten the top of the hill. And the amount of input he put in the place, it is very hard for someone come and take his life for no apparent reason. He works so hard for what he has and someone come and take his life, it’s hard.”
Kingston says the village council hopes to start a neighborhood watch.
Andrea Polanco reporting for News Five.
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