Vancouver woman found dead in Belize after stabbing, authorities confirm - Yahoo News Canada

A disturbing incident unfolded in Belize where a Vancouver woman was found dead on Monday morning following a stabbing at a local spa. Marty Thorne’s body was discovered just before 8 a.m. local time at RawSpa, a resort near Bullet Tree Village. This location is about 100 kilometres southwest of Belize City and roughly 37 kilometres from Belmopan, the nation’s capital. Authorities were alerted when a caretaker arrived at the spa and noticed a pool of blood near a cabana, a small hut-like structure on the property. Police then found Thorne’s body about 50 metres away by a river on the resort grounds. According to a spokesperson from the Belize Police Department, Marty Thorne had sustained eight stab wounds to her neck. The police currently have one person in custody in connection with the case, while two more suspects are actively being searched for. It appears from early investigations that Thorne might have known the individuals involved. Interestingly, the only item missing from the scene was her cellphone. While the precise motive and cause of death are still pending further examination, including an autopsy, the circumstances suggest a targeted and violent encounter. Thorne had been living in Belize since she was a young adult but had temporarily returned to Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic. She came back to Belize approximately six weeks ago before this fatal incident. The authorities have informed her two sons, who reside in Vancouver, about the tragedy. Their father is Belizean, adding a local connection to her family ties. One of her sons responded briefly to media inquiries, expressing shock and indicating he needed to consult with family before providing more details. Global Affairs Canada has acknowledged the death of a Canadian citizen abroad and extended condolences to the bereaved family. Consular officials are in contact with local Belizean authorities to gather further facts and also providing support to the family. For privacy reasons, no additional information is being disclosed at this time. The local police continue their investigation to piece together the events leading to Thorne’s death in hopes of bringing all involved parties to justice. The incident has understandably shaken both the local community in Belize and family members in Canada. RawSpa, the site of the tragedy, is a known relaxation spot for tourists and locals alike, making such a violent act all the more shocking. Authorities are ramping up security efforts and encouraging anyone with information to come forward. This case remains a somber reminder of the dangers that can arise even in seemingly peaceful settings and highlights the importance of thorough investigations to provide closure and maintain public safety.