San Felipe Community Says Farewell to Magaña Fire Victims

This morning, heartbreak turned into a moment of unity in San Felipe. The family of Angelita Magaña, Shadia Magaña, and Tishan Godoy finally laid their loved ones to rest after a tragic house fire claimed their lives on Monday. Investigators believe the blaze may have been set by Angelita’s former common-law husband, Francisco Godoy, who also perished in the fire. Their deaths have sparked a nationwide conversation about gender-based violence and rallied public support for victims of domestic abuse. Hundreds of residents filled the Assembly of God Betel Church to pay their respects. News Five’s Britney was there and brings us the story.

 

Britney Gordon, Reporting

This morning, San Felipe Village was draped in purple and black as hundreds of residents came together to say goodbye to three lives lost in a heartbreaking tragedy. Angelita Magaña, her teenage daughter Shadia, and young son Tishan were laid to rest, three caskets carried into the Assembly of God Betel Church, one after the other. It was a solemn service, but the outpouring of love and solidarity was undeniable. Among those standing with the family was Leonor Delgado, President of the San Felipe Women’s Group, proof that even in grief, unity and strength prevail.

 

Leonor Delgado, San Felipe Resident

“San Felipe  has been a very supportive and very united community as a whole regardless of religion or any other ideas or beliefs we in in situations like this San Felippe has always been very united very supportive. The support that we have seen for the family overall has been tremendous. There are no words to express. The loss that we have experienced one entire family, and moreover, a family that has been with us. Miss Angie has been with us in school. We used to see her every day taking care of the kids, being very supportive with the teacher, with the staff. Yeah, really there are no words to express how we feel and the great loss that we have had.”

 

Students and teachers from across the north came out in full support today. Among the mourners were classmates and educators from Muffles Junior College and Belize High School of Agriculture, where seventeen-year-old Shadia studied, and from St. Michael R.C. School, where little Tishan was enrolled and Angelita volunteered her time. Vice Principal of the primary school, Pablo Peralta shared his deep sorrow  over the family’s passing.

 

Pablo Peralta, San Felipe Resident

 “I am a father . I have a family, and this is sad news, very sad news for our community. And I wish that we are, as a family, always have find, love, unity among ourselves. Probably we have problems, but there’s a time that we can’t solve our own problems within our family. And I am, say I see God for assistance, for help. That’s my first priority. So I invite every family in our community to always seek God first,”

 

They were laid to rest at San Felipe Cemetery. Here, family and friends bade their final goodbye with hymns of peace. Village Councilor, Josue Dominguez, says the tragic loss of the beloved community members has opened their eyes to the need for more unity in keeping citizens safe.

 

Josue Domingquez, San Felipe Village Councilor

“Our village is known for coming together in situations like this. Moreover, miss Angie and her family are very humble. They were very outgoing, they were very friendly, and so the community really appreciate them. They were, she was a very hardworking lady going, doing everything for our kids. When things like this happen, many ideas come to mind that everybody has solutions. But just before the incident happened, our village council was trying to make a neighborhood watch. So with this coming to what happened, I think the we are gonna work harder to create and make a active and never to watch for our village.”

 

Angelita and her kids are among many lives lost to domestic violence in Belize. The suspected arsonist, Francisco Godoy, also died in the fire, meaning no one will face justice in court. Leonor Delgado says Belize must do better, so women and children can live without fear and feel safe asking for help.

 

Leonor Delgado

“ This event as such a very tragic one should raise awareness. As women, we should keep ourselves supportive to each other. Many times domestic violence is something that a woman keep to themselves. One because of, might be because of, they’re being afraid to, because of they might be thinking that one day their partners might change. And three, maybe because of what the community might say about you know about them. And many times women think that, what will I do without a partner?”

 

The Magaña family extended their thanks to all members of the public who have assisted them during the immensely difficult time. Britney Gordon for News Five.