UK mum who volunteered in Belize found knifed to death

A BRITISH woman volunteering in a Belize children’s home has been stabbed to death.

Michele Anison, 56, was found dead in her flat with neck and chest wounds.

A murder investigation has been launched into the killing of Mrs Anison, from Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, who moved to Central America in 2013 after her second husband Peter died from a brain tumour.

There was no sign of forced entry to the property but belongings including her car and passport had been stolen.

The mother, pictured, had been working for the Liberty Children’s Home in Ladyville, in the east of Belize.

Police said her body was found badly decomposed on November 17 when her landlady called round to collect rent. Mrs Anison, who lived alone, had last been seen five days earlier.

There have been no arrests, although four people have been questioned.

Locals said the former nurse may have been too trusting and kept company with ‘shady characters’.

Detective Alejandro Cowo said that was one line of inquiry, though he said she never invited anyone to her home to socialise. He said: ‘We are looking at some individuals that we believe that were close to her that we can get more information from them.’

Mrs Anison’s first husband Damon Johnson, with whom she had two children, said: ‘I brought up the kids, they kept in touch a bit, but they weren’t close. She had another son and she spent her time with her new family.’

Her friend Bonnie de Meulles said: ‘I met Michele in Belize where we were both volunteering. She was a remarkable, energetic, woman who showed kindness to many.’ Agatha Valentine, director of the children’s home where Mrs Anison worked, told local media: ‘We want to get some justice for Michele.’

Mrs Anison, whose body was flown home for a funeral earlier this month, had been building a home not far from the flat that she rented.

Belize, which has a population of 335,000, ranks in the global top ten for homicides according to the United Nations.

The Foreign Office said it was in contact with authorities in Belize and was supporting the family.