Canadian filmmaker Matthiew Klinck was found dead a few feet from his home in the village of Selena in the western part of Belize on Monday evening, according to CBC News. Local police Supt. Andrew Ramirez said that Klinck had been stabbed 14 times in the lower neck and upper back, while his home "appeared ransacked." He had not been seen since Saturday afternoon and his body "was in its initial stage of decomposing", Ramirez said.
The Aylmer-born Quebecer had been working and living in Belize since 2011. His production company, Make-Belize Films, had produced a number of movies and a soap opera that aired on Belize television, according to The Montreal Gazette.
Mayor Daniel Guerrero, of nearby San Pedro, said the 37-year-old Klinck was well known in the area because he shot his soap opera in San Pedro using local actors.
"As many knew him, he was very enthusiastic about Belize's Film Industry and hoped that one day Belize be recognized internationally for its film talent," said Guerrero.
It's a puzzling crime scene, according to authorities, as the house was left open and appeared to have been searched. However, the property caretaker said nothing seemed stolen, including his expensive cameras and filmmaking equipment, according to 7 News Belize.
"We will try our utmost best to find out who did this heinous act upon Mr. Klinck and to bring proper closure and make sure justice prevails," Ramirez said. "We want to know if he has any enemies around the community."
His mother Louise Dallaire, who resides in Gatineau, told Radio-Canada that she and other family members are flying to Belize on Thursday, according to CBC News.
