Police are investigating an incident involving Minister of Health, Honourable Pablo Marin, who reportedly shot an intruder at his residence in Corozal Town on Thursday, August 27th.
The official report states that police responded to a report at the residence of the 52-year-old minister around 10:30PM. Upon arrival, Marin said that about 10:29PM, while at the upper floor of his house, he heard a loud noise. He reportedly retrieve his licensed 9mm pistol and went downstairs to see what was happening, and observed a male person his verandah, whom he came face to face with. Marin said he fired a warning shot towards the individual, followed by two additional shots before the person jumped over the fence.
Police later found the motionless body of a male person, identified as 37-year-old Askel Matura, Belizean unemployed of San Antonio Village, Corozal District. An assortment of items belonging to Marin were found in a backpack being carried by the deceased. The lifeless body was transported to the Corozal Community Hospital, where it was pronounced dead on arrival.
Police have not declared if the minister acted in self-defense, while investigations continue.
Honorable Pablo Marin made a personal declaration on his Facebook Page on Friday, August 28th. “Last night was one of the most difficult nights of my life. As an intruder armed with a weapon broke into my house, I had no choice but to defend myself as I was fearful for my life. The outcome is devastating to me. My prayers, of course, are for his eternal soul and for his family.
