San Felipe Fire Claims Two More Lives; Community Demands Action on Domestic Violence

We begin tonight with a heartbreaking update out of San Felipe Village. Two more lives have been lost following that horrific house fire earlier this week, the same blaze that claimed thirty-five-year-old Angelita Magana and her six-year-old son, Tishan Godoy. Authorities say the fire was no accident. On Monday, Francisco Godoy entered Magana’s home, doused her with gasoline, and set the house on fire. Within moments, flames consumed the building, trapping Angelita and her little boy inside. Three others were injured in the attack: Angelita’s seventeen-year-old daughter, Shadia Magana, her common-law husband Miguel Novelo, and her former partner Francisco Godoy, who, we’ve learned, had recently served time for domestic violence against Angelita. Tragically, Shadia and Godoy did not survive their injuries. Tonight, the family and the wider community are speaking out and calling for stronger action against domestic violence in Belize.

 

Britney Gordon, Reporting

Students in Orange Walk District turned out in purple today, a powerful show of solidarity for victims of domestic violence. Their message comes in the wake of a tragedy that has shaken San Felipe Village and the entire country. Thirty-five-year-old Angelita Magana, her six-year-old son Tishan, and her seventeen-year-old daughter Shadia had just moved into a new home, hoping to escape years of abuse. But that fresh start was short-lived. Police believe Francisco Godoy, Angelita’s former common-law husband, set the fire that killed four people, including himself, after being released from prison. For Angelita’s family, the grief is overwhelming. Britney Soliz, her cousin, says losing all three loved ones feels unbearable. She remembers the close bond Angelita shared with her children, a bond now tragically broken.

 

Voice of: Britney Soliz, Cousin of Deceased

“She was always a good mom to her children; she gave them love and took care of them. Her children grew up with a lot of love. Her daughter Shadia was a girl who, likewise, received love from her mom, and she was very respectful. The boy was also very kind and respectful.”

 

Angelita was a helper at St. Michael R.C School in San Felipe for over two years, where her son was enrolled. Today, the school stands in unity with Angelita and other victims of domestic violence by raising funds for the Magana family and spreading awareness in the community. Principal, Dyel Cal, told us about the community’s commitment to uplifting and supporting Angelita’s family.

 

Dyel Pal, Principal, St. Michael R.C. School

“So the color of purple. We all know this month is about domestic violence and. The sensitization about it. So our children decided, with, along with the staff, that we come in purple for this specific rugby and if you walk around the campus, you would see them adding purple. And this morning we met together to send out a message and it start, we need to stop domestic violence.”

 

Police confirmed that Francisco Godoy had recently been released from prison on bail, after serving time for rape and domestic violence offenses. Fearing for her safety, Magana had attempted to file a restraining order but was unable to receive one due to the courts being closed at the time of her visit. Investigators believe Godoy exploited that brief opportunity to carry out a violent attack on Magana.

 

Voice of: Britney Soliz

“In this case, as I’m telling you, I was very close to her. So she always told me her things, what she did, the problems she had with that person. She always told me: ‘You know, I’m going to give my report to see what they tell me.’ She always came with us and told us that it wasn’t work time, that they weren’t working, that they didn’t take her report; she always came with that. She tried everything to keep the man from approaching her, but well, they didn’t pay attention.”

 

Also raising funds in support of the Magana family is the Belize High School of Agriculture, where Shadia Magana graduated from just this year. Vice Principal Gabriel Sanchez remembers her as an enthusiastic student and an active member of the Student Government Association. Today, students remembered her with a memory wall on campus.

 

Gabriel Sanchez, Vice Principal. Belize High School of Agriculture

“I specifically remember  teachers as well. She was involved in extracurricular activities and I recall we had regionals of, I think basketball, and she was there from seven in the morning till about ten  in the night. It just show her commitment to BHSA and to assist others. In class. She was as well, very dedicated, committed to her studies. Despite some challenges.”

 

Cabinet today condemned the brutal attack and doubled down on its zero-tolerance stance on domestic violence. In a statement, the government called it a national crisis, not a private matter, and urged churches, civil society, and all Belizeans to unite in ending gender-based violence. Health Minister Kevin Bernard also weighed in, stressing the need for stronger protection and accountability.

 

Kevin Bernard, Minister of Health & Wellness

“We must do much more, but not just the government, not just the police. Every one of us. If we know of people suffering in silence, let us help, let us reach out to the authorities, let us ensure that these people get the necessary help. As I said, it’s a very sad situation that occurred. I understand the young sixteen-year-old passed away as well, including the perpetrator. I will leave my comment about the perpetrator because I don’t want to be, have my own personal opinion about that. But it’s sad to see a young family losing their life over, over such situation.”

 

Angelita Magana’s family has made a humble plea to members of the public to continue supporting their fundraiser as they prepare to bury three loved ones. They also expressed their gratitude to everyone that has extended comfort and support as they grapple with their immeasurable grief. Britney Gordon for News Five.