by Kristen Ku
MAHOGANY HEIGHTS, Belize District, Mon. June 26, 2023
In the early hours of Sunday, June 25, Belize Defence Force soldier Lance Corporal Ashley Henry suffered a devastating blow when his house, located in Mahogany Heights, was destroyed by a fire that was set by arsonists while he was stationed in the field with his troop.
After being alerted of the blaze, Henry was immediately extracted from the field, and when he reached Santos de Silva, he began receiving pictures and videos of his burnt home.
His home security cameras, however, had recorded unsettling images of two persons setting his house ablaze.
In a recent Zoom interview, Henry, a devoted family man who prides himself on his commitment to his children, stated, “I have no issues with anyone. But the incident started when my little brother and his friends got into an altercation, and it seems they tried to retaliate.”
Fortunately, Henry’s children had been away for the weekend at their grandmother’s house, and were thus not harmed by the blaze.
Henry’s home had an estimated value of $30,000 and was not insured.
Assistant Commissioner of Police, Hilberto Romero, updated the media on the ongoing investigation into the fire on Monday, June 26, saying, “Investigations is that the occupants of the house were not at home at the time and neighbors alerted them that they saw fire and smoke coming from the house. All the contents in the house were damaged and we are investigating at this time.”
For now, police are in close communication with Henry, and have informed him that one of the suspected arsonists is already being detained.
Those wishing to assist Henry in his time of need can reach out to him at 610-6624 or via email at [email protected]. Donations of groceries, clothes, or rebuilding materials would be deeply appreciated.
Monetary contributions can be deposited to his Belize Bank account 165673010220001 or Holy Redeemer Credit Union account 00094466.
Henry has served in the military for eight years and is currently a rifleman in the BDF’s infantry unit.