SEINE BIGHT, Stann Creek District, Tues. July 1, 2020– An elderly American couple were reportedly beaten and robbed at about 8:30 Sunday night in the couple’s home in the Augustineville area of Seine Bight.

Ervin Sverdrup, 80, was beaten in his head with a gun, and his wife, 78, was beaten with a pipe on her arm and head, and they were robbed of $175 by a pair of thieves.

A quick investigation by police led to the apprehension of Barry Enfield Castillo, 23, an unemployed Seine Bight resident, and a minor, also of Seine Bight.

Police announced today that the two have been jointly charged with aggravated burglary, and their case is pending arraignment at the Dangriga Magistrate’s Court.

Ervin Sverdrup told police that he was just about to close the metal gate surrounding his house when suddenly, two unknown men wearing masks on their faces, kicked open the gate and entered, forcing him inside the house, where they pointed a gun at him and his wife, who was sitting inside the living room.

When he told them that they did not have any money, one of the thieves beat him in the head with the gun, and the other thief, who was armed with a pipe, beat his wife on her head and arm.

Fearing that they would be killed in their home, Sverdrup handed over his wallet, which contained $175, and his documents, and the thieves ran out of the house and disappeared.
Police were called, and Sverdrup and his wife were taken to the polyclinic in Seine Bight, where they were treated and later released.