SUNSET PARK, Belize District, Tues. Mar. 27, 2018– Well-known businessman, Mario Guerrero, 64, a cruise tour operator and owner of the Manta Ray boats, died after he was beaten in his home on Sunday. Guerrero was hit in the back of the head with a heavy frying pan, and when he fell forward, he was beaten on his head with a stool, which broke during the attack.
It is believed that after Guerrero was beaten, he was robbed. The two men who assaulted him, reportedly stole his phone and his vehicle keys. Surveillance video shows the men trying to steal the vehicle, but they were unsuccessful, so they ran out of the yard on foot. Nothing was stolen from the house.
Information to us is that Guerrero had a lot of money in his pocket, but a friend who went to the scene said his pockets had been turned out.
Reports to us are that Guerrero did not go to work Sunday morning. His son, after calling his phone and not reaching him, began to get worried and went looking for him at the places he frequently visited.
When his efforts were unsuccessful, Guerrero’s son then went to Guerrero’s house to look for him. When he went into the yard at about 9:00 Sunday night, he saw his father lying on the ground under a tent in the yard, in pools of blood, and he was already dead.
Information to us is that Guerrero had been socializing in Ladyville in a bar on Saturday evening. He was observed drinking, and buying drinks for some men. He then left Ladyville and went to Belize City, where he continued to drink and socialize, and he was seen in the city at about 3:00 Sunday morning. When he left for home, two men reportedly went with him. Footage captured by cameras at his house showed him entering his yard with the two men.
During the weekly police press brief held this morning at the Raccoon Street Police Station, ASP Alejandro Cowo said that they are looking for two men and that they are reviewing the security camera footage, which they believe will help the investigation.
This morning police announced that one suspect has been detained and they are looking for another man, as the investigation continues into the senseless murder.
Guerrero’s business, Guerrero’s Charter Service, conducts tours up the Belize River, as well as reef fishing expeditions, and snorkeling trips, among other adventures. The company was incorporated in 1997, and it has grown from a one-boat enterprise to a company with a fleet of 7 power-boats to accommodate the aquatic adventures offered in Belize. He had a team of employees comprised of captains and tour guides.
At the time of the murder, Guerrero was at home alone because his wife was in Placencia. He was the father of three daughters and a son, who are all grown.