Vancouver woman found dead in Belize after stabbing, authorities confirm

Shraddha Tripathy

11/12/20251 min read

A Canadian woman from Vancouver has been found dead in Belize, after what police describe as a fatal stabbing at a riverside spa resort.

The body of Marty Thorne was discovered around 8 a.m. Monday near the RawSpa resort, located roughly 100 kilometres southwest of Belize City and 37 kilometres from Belmopan, the country’s capital.

According to the Belize Police Department, a caretaker arriving at the property found traces of blood near a small cabana and alerted authorities. Officers later discovered Thorne’s body about 50 metres away, close to a riverbank on the resort grounds.

Police confirmed that one person has been taken into custody in connection with the killing and that two additional suspects remain at large. Investigators believe Thorne may have known her attackers, and they say her cellphone was the only item reported missing.

An official with the department said that an autopsy is pending to determine the precise cause of death.

Background

Authorities say Thorne had lived in Belize for many years, having moved there as a young adult. She briefly returned to Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic but went back to Belize approximately six weeks ago.

Thorne’s two sons, who live in Vancouver, have been notified. Their father, according to police, is Belizean.

When contacted by CBC News, one of Thorne’s sons said he was still in shock and would speak with family before agreeing to an interview.

Official response

In a statement to CBC News, Global Affairs Canada confirmed awareness of the death of a Canadian citizen in Belize and extended condolences to the family.

“Consular officials are in contact with local authorities to gather additional information and with the family to provide consular assistance,” the statement read.

The department said it would not release further details, citing privacy considerations.

Belizean police say the investigation remains active as they work to locate the remaining suspects and establish a motive in Thorne’s killing.