On Friday, tragedy struck in Red Bank Village when three-year-old Luis Sandoval lost his life while under the care of a relative. According to initial reports, the toddler had been left in the care of a sixteen-year-old family member when he wandered off into a nearby yard. Moments later, he was found unresponsive in a bucket of water. But as the family grapples with this devastating loss, new details have emerged. Loved ones now say Luis was not found in a bucket, but instead suffered what they believe was heart failure. The conflicting accounts have left many with questions and few answers. Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith says the official cause of death will be determined following a post-mortem examination. As the investigation continues, the community is rallying around the Sandoval family, offering support during this unimaginable time.
ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer
“Police are investigating the death of three-year-old Jose Luis Sandoval, which occurred on thirtieth May. 2025 in the Red Bank Village, Stann Creek District. So far, what investigators have been able to ascertain as it relates to that incident is that Sandoval was left in the care of a sixteen-year-old relative when at approximately three forty in the afternoon because she could not locate Sandoval in the house or on the in the property. she extended her search to the property adjacent to deers, and that search ultimately concluded with the discovery of Sandoval in a bucket which contained water. No visible injuries were observed on sun, naval, and the body now awaits a postmortem.”.
Reporter
“The family is pushing back on the police report. They’re stating that child was not found in a bucket and that the child did not drown, They’re citing heart issues with the child. Police’s response to that pushback?”
ASP Stacy Smith
“Well, certainly the postmortem examination, I believe, will clearly indicate the cause of that conclusively.”