Killed at resort: Family disputes self-defense claim in Leonard Baltazar’s death

Posted: Sunday, April 27, 2025. 8:22 am CST.

By Horace Palacio: The family of Leonard Baltazar, who was killed in December 2024 after being caught allegedly burglarizing a resort cabana on Tobacco Caye, is demanding answers, claiming his death was not properly investigated.

Baltazar was reportedly chased out of the cabana by Scott Taylor, an American tourist. According to the family, early police reports suggested the incident was being treated as self-defense. However, four months later, no formal closure or updates have been provided, and the family is now raising serious concerns about how the case has been handled.

Ampara Sanchez, Baltazar’s mother, said she has repeatedly tried to get updates from the police and the Criminal Investigations Branch (CIB) but has received no answers. Meanwhile, Vincent Higinio, Baltazar’s stepfather, pointed out that the autopsy revealed Leonard died from mechanical asphyxiation — a detail he says contradicts claims of self-defense.

The family also questioned why Scott Taylor was allowed to leave Belize within 72 hours of the incident while the investigation remained incomplete.

Police have yet to offer a formal update, but the family says they will continue pushing for justice for Leonard Baltazar.

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