Police say Magana did not Make a Recent Report Prior to Her Death

Belize is still reeling from the horrific murder of Angelita Magaña and her two children, a crime that has sparked a nationwide outcry over violence against women. In the wake of that tragedy, the Office of the Special Envoy for the Development of Families and Children issued a strong statement condemning the brutalization of women and children and demanding accountability from law enforcement. The statement delivered a blunt message, pointing to unanswered domestic violence hotlines and 911 calls, lifelines that victims desperately need. It calls for immediate action from the police, the courts, and every institution tasked with protecting victims, including a full review of bail in domestic violence cases and tougher enforcement of restraining orders. We asked Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith for her response to these concerns. Here’s what she had to say.

 

ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer

“As it relates to the situation with miss Magana and the two children, all of whom lost their lives in very horrific circumstances, and certainly the department expresses its condolences as well as the Ministry of Home Affairs, but I believe that clarity needs to be had as to the extent of police’s interaction with Ms. Magana. I can con categorically say that no report was made by Ms. Magana at the time, or leading up to that incident. The extent of Ms. Magana’s interaction to the police based on interviews that were conducted with the officers in that location shows that Ms. Magana visited the station and asked for advice. Should Mr. Godoy interfere with her, she would advise that if that should happen, she should make a report to the police. She should also go to the Magistrate Court to obtain a restraining order, and she should also visit the office of the DPP and advise them that he was in breach of the conditions of his bail. The circumstance at hand, I need to reiterate categorically that absolutely no report was made. Had Ms. Magana made a report, the course of action would’ve certainly followed. Ms. Magana in the past have made two reports, and all of those reports were opted upon, so I don’t believe that if Ms. Magana would’ve made a report, a different course of action would’ve been taken.”