San Felipe Village Buries Mother and Children Lost in Horrific Arson

In a deeply emotional service today, the community of San Felipe is laying to rest Angelita Magana and her two children, six-year-old Tishan Godoy and seventeen-year-old Shadia Magana, who tragically died in a house fire earlier this week. The family, once hopeful for a fresh start in a new home, was lost in what authorities have confirmed was a deliberate attack.

Police say the fire was set by Francisco Godoy, Angelita’s former common-law husband, who had recently been released from prison for domestic violence and rape. He allegedly doused the home with gasoline and ignited it, resulting in the deaths of Angelita and her children, while seriously injuring three others.

The tragedy has prompted widespread mourning and calls for stronger protections against domestic violence. Local schools, including St. Michael R.C. School and the Belize High School of Agriculture, held tributes and fundraisers in honor of the victims, remembering Angelita’s dedication to her students and Shadia’s achievements.

Health Minister Kevin Bernard and the Cabinet condemned the attack, stressing that gender-based violence is a national crisis and calling on communities to support victims and hold perpetrators accountable.