Allen Martinez was found in an advanced state of decomposition on the John Smith Link Road
BELIZE CITY, Mon. Sept. 12, 2022
The John Smith Road has become the scene of a number of murders since it was opened. This morning, it was the location at which the body of a missing man, Allen Martinez, was found in a small pond—about 50 feet off the roadside. The body was found about one and a half miles down the airport link road along the route from the 8-Mile community to Ladyville.
Martinez was reported missing last Monday by his family, who had been in search of him since then. He was last seen on Saturday in front of Zan Zan Shop on Central American Boulevard. His family identified his body this morning at the scene as it was being processed by police.
Allen Martinez, who went by the stage name “NOT NICE”, was a Belizean lyricist and recording artist who lived in the Port Loyola area of Belize City. Of recent, he had been battling mental illness and was frequently seen on Central American Boulevard.
Police have reported that he was last seen in front of Zan Zan shop on Central American Boulevard, but the Ladyville Highlights page published a photo and message suggesting he may have been spotted in the Lords Bank area.
There is no indication if this is true, but sometime this morning police responded to reports that his body was seen in the area, after being missing since Saturday, September 3.
The police report notes that no signs of injuries have yet been observed on Martinez’s body, but a postmortem examination will be carried out on his remains. Since the body was found in an advanced state of decomposition, that process would have to be expedited and may present additional challenges.
By all indications at this time, no foul play is suspected, and the case is being handled as a death investigation by police.