Orange Walk Woman Reports Kidnapping and Assault

Police in northern Belize are investigating a disturbing case of alleged kidnapping and assault involving a woman from the Orange Walk District.  According to police reports, the investigation was launched on Tuesday, following a complaint made by 59-year-old Esmeralda Castaneda, a domestic worker of San Lazaro Village. Castaneda told authorities that the ordeal began on Monday morning at around eight o’clock, when two individuals known to her visited her home to socialize.  She reported that later that afternoon, at approximately 3:00 p.m., the two acquaintances prepared to leave and invited her to accompany them. Castaneda says she declined the offer. However, one of the individuals allegedly became aggressive, forcibly dragging her into a vehicle against her will.  The woman alleges that she was then transported to a bar in Yo Creek Village, where the individuals continued consuming alcohol. She stated that she was offered drinks but refused. It was during this time, she says, that she was physically assaulted with a piece of board, causing her to lose consciousness.  Upon regaining consciousness, Castaneda reported that her Samsung Galaxy cellular phone, valued at five hundred dollars, along with seven hundred and twenty dollars in cash, were missing.  Police say investigations into the matter are ongoing as they seek to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident and identify those responsible.