Brigido Munoz, 39, charged with the murder of 20-year-old South African crewmate Paige Bell on a Bahamas superyacht.
(The Post News)– Authorities in the Bahamas have arrested 39-year-old Mexican boat engineer Brigido Munoz for the murder and possible sexual assault of South African stewardess Paige Bell, whose body was discovered aboard a luxury superyacht just days before her 21st birthday.
On July 3, Bell’s lifeless body was found partially undressed in the engine room of the Far From It, a superyacht docked off Harbour Island. Police confirmed to the Daily Mail she was found unresponsive with numerous visible defensive wounds, including gashes to her neck and arms.
Munoz was discovered at the scene with serious injuries to his arms, believed to be self-inflicted in a suicide attempt, and was hospitalized. He was later formally charged with Bell’s murder by the Royal Bahamas Police Force.
Munoz has since appeared in court and has been denied bail. He remains in prison as the investigation continues to uncover what happened to Bell on that tragic day.
Bell, originally from Johannesburg, had been working on luxury yachts since matriculating from Hillcrest High School in KwaZulu-Natal. She had been due to return home to celebrate her birthday on July 14 with family and friends.
In a school tribute, Bell is described as “an incredibly special young lady who was the happiest, most bubbly person” and referred to as a “golden girl” by her friends.
A GoFundMe campaign created by Bell’s former co-workers has raised more than R800,000 ($45,000) so far. The campaign was launched to assist the family with repatriation and funeral costs.
In a statement released by the family, they expressed gratitude for the support and said they continue to seek justice for “the monster” that took Bell’s life. Her mother has asked that those wishing to honor Paige’s memory eat red velvet cake, her favorite, and share photos on her birthday.
About the Author
