Mother and Son Killed, Daughter Badly Burned in San Felipe Village Fire

A woman and her six-year-old son perished while her daughter received first degree burns to 80 % of her face and body in an early morning fire in San Felipe Village in the Orange Walk District. LOVE NEWS Rafael Roberts travelled to San Felipe Village and is just back with the story.

Rafael Roberts, Love News: A home located some 500 yards from the entrance to Blue Creek Orange Walk was left in shambles, zinc scattered after an early morning fire. 34-year-old Francis Godoy forcefully entered the home of his ex-common-law wife, Angie Briceño, and lit the house on fire. When we got there today, the remains of what was once a home completely desecrated by fire. The blaze and screaming of the occupants awakened the neighbors. 

Neighbor: “This happened just about two o’clock this morning. I am a neighbor of my neighbor over there and when I woke up about two o’clock this morning, I had noticed the house was already engulfed in fire.So one of the workers who name is that is here managed to take out Leon out of the blaze this morning. For me, I see that he is a strong and brave person. For me, he’s a superhero. And as you can notice from the back of the house last night, what I saw was that someone was engulfed in flame, jumping from the back of the house, running towards that direction, heading over in the bushes. And it appears to be that he had rolled over into the bushes so that he could have removed out the flame from off of his body, but he continued a little bit more in the bushes. And that’s when the hunters who were in this morning about three o’clock, they came by, stop, and they noticed that he was in that area.And that was the man known as Francis who lit the house on fire this morning. I just hope that everyone who is watching, I’m pleading to you that you can kindly give your help to the family as they’re going through a horrible time. And of course, we’re going to be continuously trying to help and assist the family.” 

Rafael Roberts, Love News: Allegations are that Godoy was recently released from the Belize Central Prison on charges of common assault. After his release last Wednesday, he allegedly made his way into the previous home of Briceno with attempts to rape both Briceno and her mother. An attempt was made for a restraining order by Bersenio, but it was unsuccessful due to her arriving late to court. However, fast forwarding to today, the Briceno family is left mourning their loved ones. We stopped by St. Michael’s School today, where an altar was on display at the entrance with a picture of baby Tishan, along with flowers and handwritten notes. Maria Chable, Tishan’s teacher, spoke with us today regarding his life as a student at St. Michael Roman’s Catholic School. 

Maria Chable, Tishan Godoy’s teacher: “ Well, for me, it’s like everyday memories. He used to come in the mornings because he used to come with his mom. So he’s the first one to be here in school. He used to give me a little hug and tell me good morning, teacher. And like every kid, like I used to sometimes have to like, you know, put him on his little space there because sometimes he’s rude but at the same time, he was very loving. He was like the kindest little kid I ever known. Like I knew deep in his heart, he was this kid that he just needed love and a little hug from the teacher so I used to do lots of stuff for him.”

Rafael Roberts, Love News: “In the unfortunate aftermath, nothing but memories are left behind. The joyous moments and a boy who was to recite his poem once again today at school.

Reporting for Love News, Raphael Roberts.