Colorado Real Estate Developer Found Murdered in Belize; Police Suspect Professional Hit
Boris Mannsfeld, a 56-year-old high-profile real estate developer originally from Colorado, was discovered fatally shot in Belize over the weekend, prompting local authorities to investigate the possibility of a professionally executed hit orchestrated by a disgruntled business associate. The grim discovery was made on Friday night at The Villas at Cocoplum in Maya Beach, a luxury villa complex that Mannsfeld himself played a key role in developing.
According to reports from Breaking News Belize (BNB), Mannsfeld was found lying face down in his yard, a single bullet wound piercing the back of his head. The circumstances surrounding his death have led police to believe this was not a random act of violence, but rather a targeted assassination.
Police Commissioner Chester Williams addressed the media, stating that the nature of Mannsfeld’s death bore all the hallmarks of a carefully planned hit. While the precise motive remained elusive at the time of the announcement, investigators were diligently exploring various avenues, primarily focusing on Mannsfeld’s extensive business dealings and potential conflicts.
Near Mannsfeld’s body, investigators recovered a loaded 9mm pistol, his wallet, and a spent shell casing. “It has all indications of a hit,” Williams stated, emphasizing the deliberate nature of the crime. “We are looking at the business transactions that Mr. Mannsfeld may have with other individuals, with our view to see if we will be able to close in on a possible motive and perhaps suspect.”
Adding a layer of complexity to the investigation, Commissioner Williams revealed that one suspect, Frik De Meyere, was currently in custody. However, as of Monday, formal charges had not been filed against De Meyere. What makes De Meyere a person of interest is his prior connection to two other deceased individuals linked to Mannsfeld’s business ventures.
De Meyere is a former employee of Mannsfeld’s and had previously been questioned in connection with the 2023 murder of Ricardo Borja. Borja, who also worked for Mannsfeld’s company, was allegedly killed before he could present evidence against De Meyere in a land fraud scheme. Adding to the intrigue, Darren Taylor, another employee of Mannsfeld, was murdered in 2024.
Commissioner Williams acknowledged the potential connection between the three deaths, stating, “It will not be wrong for one to assume that there may be some connection there, and we’re looking at that possibility.” The possibility of a linked series of events surrounding Mannsfeld’s business associates is now a central focus of the investigation.
Prior to his death, Ricardo Borja had reportedly claimed that De Meyere was involved in a significant land fraud scheme. According to reports from Amandala, Borja had scheduled a meeting with legal counsel, a real estate agency, and the government’s special crime unit to present evidence against De Meyere. However, he was murdered before he could share the information.
Adding further fuel to the investigation, Breaking News Belize (BNB) reported that Mannsfeld himself had referenced a "massive fraud case" involving millions in stolen assets in an email dated January of this year. In the same email, Mannsfeld also mentioned his involvement in a $3.9 million lawsuit against a former associate. This information suggests that Mannsfeld may have been embroiled in complex and potentially dangerous legal battles, which could have made him a target.
The investigation is actively exploring the possibility that Mannsfeld’s murder is directly connected to the deaths of Ricardo Borja and Darren Taylor, examining potential links and motives that could tie the three cases together.
Fox News Digital reached out to the Belize Police Department for additional information regarding the ongoing investigation but had not received a response at the time of reporting.
Mannsfeld’s journey to Belize began with a deep appreciation for the country’s natural beauty. According to a profile on his company’s website, he first visited Belize in 1992 and immediately "fell in love" with the country. After spending ten years working in real estate in the United States, he decided to relocate to Belize permanently in 2006, transforming it into his "barefoot paradise."
Belize, a former British colony nestled between Mexico to the north, the Caribbean Sea to the east, and Guatemala to the west and south, offered Mannsfeld the opportunity to pursue his passion for real estate development in a more relaxed and idyllic setting.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Mannsfeld was described as an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed endurance mountain biking, road biking, snow skiing, and various other activities. His diverse interests and adventurous spirit were evident in his personal life as well as his business ventures.
Mannsfeld’s company specialized in selling condos, land plots, and other properties in Belize. He was also involved in various hotel projects, a concrete company, and a renewable energy company, demonstrating his entrepreneurial drive and commitment to the development of Belize’s economy.
The news of Mannsfeld’s death comes shortly after the tragic discovery of three American women who were found dead from a possible overdose at a beach resort in Belize, adding to a sense of unease in the small Central American country.
As the investigation into Boris Mannsfeld’s murder continues, authorities are meticulously piecing together the circumstances surrounding his death, exploring potential motives, and pursuing leads that could lead to the arrest and conviction of those responsible. The case has drawn significant attention both in Belize and in the United States, as investigators work to unravel the truth behind this shocking crime.
