By Belize Live News Staff: Two 21-year-old men have been formally charged for the brutal double murder of cousins Marvin Cante and Juan Carlos Raymundo in what police have confirmed was a drug-related incident.
Christopher Smith Junior of Linda Vista and Karl Lindo of Mile 15 Hattieville/Boom Road appeared unrepresented before the magistrate’s court, where they were jointly charged with two counts of murder. Given the severity of the charges, no plea was taken, and bail was denied. Both men were remanded to the Belize Central Prison until February 12, 2025.
The case stems from a grisly discovery on November 27, when the dismembered bodies of the two cousins were unearthed in a shallow grave in the American New Site area of Hattieville.
Police investigations revealed that the accused men had gone to purchase drugs from an individual, but the transaction reportedly turned violent, leading to the deaths of Cante and Raymundo. Authorities further confirmed that one of the accused later led investigators to the location of the buried bodies.
The accused are expected to return to court in February 2025 as the investigation and legal proceedings continue.
