Colorado Developer's Belize Dream Turns Deadly

A prominent real estate developer from Colorado, Boris Mannsfeld, 56, was found murdered in his luxury Belize home over the weekend. Local reports suggest a professional hit may be to blame, potentially orchestrated by a disgruntled business associate. Talk about paradise lost.

Mannsfeld was discovered face down in his yard Friday night at The Villas at Cocoplum in Maya Beach, a development he helped create. He had a fatal gunshot wound to the back of his head, according to Breaking News Belize (BNB).

After moving to Belize permanently with his family in 2006, Mannsfeld established his own development firm, Boris Mannsfeld and Associates, in 2010.

Police Commissioner Chester Williams told reporters that the incident bears all the hallmarks of a targeted assassination, though the motive remains unclear. A loaded 9mm pistol, Mannsfeld's wallet, and a spent shell casing were found near the body.

"It has all indications of a hit," Williams stated.

"We are examining Mr. Mannsfeld’s business dealings to identify a possible motive and suspect," Williams added.

One suspect, Frik De Meyere, a former employee of Mannsfeld’s, is currently in custody. De Meyere was previously questioned in connection with the 2023 murder of Ricardo Borja, who also worked for Mannsfeld, as well as the 2024 killing of Darren Taylor.

"It would not be wrong to assume a connection, and we are exploring that possibility," William said. So many questions, so few answers... for now.

Before his death, Borja claimed De Meyere was involved in a land fraud scheme and had scheduled a meeting to present evidence against him, according to Amandala. However, Borja was killed before he could speak out.

BNB also reports that in a January email, Mannsfeld referenced a "massive fraud case" involving millions in stolen assets and noted his involvement in a $3.9 million lawsuit against a former associate.

Williams acknowledged the possibility that Mannsfeld’s murder could be linked to the deaths of Borja and Darren Taylor.

Fox News Digital reached out to Belize police for further information but has not received a response.

Mannsfeld's company website details how he "fell in love" with Belize on his first trip in 1992 and made it his "barefoot paradise" in 2006, after 10 years working in U.S. real estate. Belize is a former British colony bordered by Mexico, the Caribbean Sea, and Guatemala.

He enjoyed endurance mountain biking, road biking, and snow skiing, among other activities.

Mannsfeld's business sells condos, land plots, and other properties in Belize. He was also involved in hotel projects, a concrete company, and a renewable energy company.

This news comes after three American women were found dead from a possible overdose at a beach resort in Belize, adding to the sense that this "paradise" has a dark side.