by Kristen Ku

SAN PEDRO TOWN, Ambergris Caye, Tues. June 20, 2023

Local authorities are investigating the death of a 66-year-old retired United States Navy officer after his decomposing body was discovered at his residence in the Secret Beach area, 6.5 miles north-west of San Pedro Town.

The body of Cornelius Smith was discovered on June 19, 2023 by police, who went to his home after receiving a call from his brother, Paul Smith in the United States, who contacted the San Pedro Police after not being able to get in touch with his brother for five days.

Upon entering Cornelius’ 6-foot elevated, wooden house, the officers came across the body of Smith, in an advanced state of decomposition, on a couch in the living room.

There were no signs of forced entry, nor were there any signs of injury on the body.

According to initial police reports, three irregular holes found on Smith’s neck and cheek areas were likely the result of maggot activity.

Several packs of cigarettes were seen in the house, along with prescribed pills for kidney and heart conditions — prompting speculation that Smith might have died of natural causes.

Although there were surveillance cameras at the residence, they were found to be non-operational.

Amandala attempted to gather more details from local authorities, but the San Pedro Police Department would not provide any further information.

Smith’s body is scheduled to undergo a post-mortem examination.