BELIZE CITY, Thurs. Nov. 17, 2016–There is now another lifeless Belizean child whose body awaits transportation to Belize from the Shriner’s Hospital for Children in Galveston, Texas.
On October 4, a crazed arsonist stormed the Hamilton’s family home on Aloe Vera Street, doused it with gasoline, and set it afire.
Aaron Gabourel, 11, was burnt alive in that fire.
His cousins, Ian Sambula, 4, and Empress Hamilton, 9, were also burnt in that fire. They both suffered 2nd and 3rd degree burns, which covered 95 percent of their bodies.
Days later they were both transported by an air ambulance to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children in Galveston, Texas, for treatment.
Despite showing initial signs of recovery, however, both children succumbed to their injuries.
Last Thursday, Ian Sambula died after his kidneys collapsed, his stomach began swelling and he began having difficulty, passing stool.
His sister, Empress Hamilton, died on Tuesday night after her heart reportedly stopped beating.
According to her mother, Melissa Hamilton, Empress celebrated her 9th birthday while undergoing surgery.
According to Hamilton, she last saw her daughter on Monday and thereafter returned to Belize to make funeral preparations for Ian Sambula, who was scheduled for burial tomorrow, Thursday.
The Aloe Vera Street fire which caused the children’s burns initially claimed one life and now the body count has quickly risen to three.
“The night when Ian departed from this earth, I nevah see doctors and nurse try suh hard, I neva see doctors and nurse cry,” said Hamilton.
According to the devastated mother, her life will forever be impacted by the loss of her two children and her nephew.
“Anywhere I go, I care for my baby deh, cuz I proud ah them,” she cried.
While charges against anyone suspected of being responsible for this tragic incident would be upgraded in such an instance, to triple murder, police have not even yet classified the fire which caused the children’s deaths as arson, nor have any arrests been made.
In an interview with the media this afternoon, ACP Chester Williams extended his sympathy to the Hamilton family and assured them that his department is doing everything possible to have justice served.
Williams also revealed that the Police Department has not yet received an official report from the Fire Services Department.
While police investigations continue, the grieving mother of Ian Sambula and Empress Hamilton did have a message for the suspected arsonist-turned-triple-murderer.
“He never had conscience, I think he da wah demon. Yuh could run from man, but yuh cyah run from God,” she said.
Hamilton hopes that all grieving mothers join efforts and demand justice for their children.
Those wishing to assist her or her family to cover funeral expenses can do so by calling 650-9269 or 604-1220.