A warrant for the arrest of Belizean Michael Silva, 28, of San Ignacio, for murder has been issued by INTERPOL. The warrant for the arrest was announced on Friday, July 19.

Police said that about 10:00 on Thursday night, September 23, 2011, Silva’s girlfriend, Maritza Santos, 19, was found dead in his room in his home in San Ignacio, in the Kontiki area. She had been beaten in the head with a blunt object.

Police said that Silva was also at home, and had drunk a herbicide in an attempt to commit suicide. He was rushed to the San Ignacio Hospital, however, and later rushed to the Belize Health Care Partners Hospital in Belize City for further treatment.

He later was sent for further medical attention abroad, but since departing Belize, he has disappeared. He has not returned to face charges for the death of his girlfriend. Police said that the warrant issued for his arrest is for the murder of Maritza Janet Santos, 19.

People who know Silva said that they saw him on more than one occasion in various parts of Guatemala. A family member claimed he was visiting Guatemala with family, and had posted pictures of the visit, which included photos of Silva and his new girlfriend.

Some alert Belizeans saw the pictures on Facebook and called police. Police said that they alerted Interpol, who are now searching for him on the strength of the warrant.