Deshaies Still Detained By Coro Cops, FBI Assisting

Canadian John Deshaies remains in the custody of Corozal Police tonight. He is the only suspect presently detained for the murder of 52 year old Canadian Francesca Matus and 36 year old Drew Devoursey. Here's the report on why police believe that a local with knowledge of the area helped in disposing of the bodies:...

Joe Milhloen, Friend of Couple
"I was schedule to pick up Francesca Matus at 8:30 to transport her to the airport in Belize and when I arrived she was not at home. Her vehicle was gone."

Jules Vasquez reporting
And now, her tenant in that Consejo Shores home John Deshaies is being questioned by police. On Friday, Independence police charged him for an unrelated theft in Placencia. He says he knows nothing about the murder in Corozal:

Courtney Weatherburne, 7News
"Were you involved in the murder of your landlord Francesca Matus?"

John Deshais, Charged for Theft
"Not at all. She is very good friend of mine. Absolutely not."

After he was arraigned, Police took Deshaies straight to Corozal for further questioning about the double murders.

The FBI Police is now assisting local police. On Friday we saw them collecting evidence from Francesca Matus's Isuzu Rodeo - where she and Drew Devourseny were last seen. And Deshaies' pickup - last seen in the driveway at the home was also being scanned by the FBI investigators - it's been impounded at the police compound.

The FBI team was also taking samples from another SUV. Police believe that more than one person colluded to kill the couple and local knowledge would have been needed to take the bodies down this road at the far end of Chan Chen, and put them in a mature canefield that was about to be burned.

If one of the cane farmers hadn't been checking the field before burning, those bodies might not have been found:

Reporter
"Who discovered the body?"

Sr. Supt. Dennis Arnold, Officer Commanding - Corozal
"It was a farmer. I believe that they would have burnt that field, but they were walking around the field to see that the fire pass and everything was made and that's when they made that discovery."

The Isuzu Rodeo was also placed in a mature canefield which was about to be burned - again showing local knowledge.

WE should stress that when they are mature, canefields are burnt, which is what was about to happen with the one In Chan Chen where the bodies were dumped.

We have learnt that the US Embassy offered the services of the FBI.

Deshaies' Attorney Speaks

As for Deshaies, he is charged with theft and is on remand because he is a flight risk. He has indicated that he wants his attorney Steven Perrera to apply for bail as soon as possible.

As we told you, Deshais was arraigned in the Independence Magistrates Court on last Friday for an unrelated case. He's facing the offenses of theft and handling stolen goods, because, according to police he allegedly took over $57,000 worth of items from the Placencia Casino. Those allegedly included hard drives, laptops, machine gaming systems and other pieces of pricey equipment.

As you will remember he came out of court telling reporters that he does not agree with the charges, and that he was only doing his job. We asked Perrera, who will represent him, for a few more specifics on that case, and about his detention in Corozal as a suspect in the double murder:

Steve Perrera, Attorney for John Deshais
"The situation with Mr. Deshais is that we have yet to meet to go over the details of this matter. However, what we do know at this point in time was that Mr. Deshais had only been assisting his employers who were the then managers of the casino in respect to the items and eventually there was some kind of dispute between the parties and this charge was raised against him."

Reporter
"Presumably you have to still be with your client, but can we presume that he intends to seek bail in relation to this charge?"

Steve Perrera, Attorney for John Deshais
"Yes, we would be seeking bail for Mr. John Deshais shortly."

Daniel Ortiz, 7News
"What is the name of the casino exactly that this matter falls from?"

Steve Perrera, Attorney for John Deshais
"I don't have the particulars with me right now, so I wouldn't be able to say."

Reporter
"We do know that your client is also a person of interest in the double murder in Corozal. I presume you will be speaking with him with regard to whatever questioning police out there are doing."

Steve Perrera, Attorney for John Deshais
"I will be discussing that with Mr. Deshais in the future."

Daniel Ortiz, 7News
"Has he retained you a attorney for that particular matter for which he is being investigated, at least as one of the suspects police have or have intentions to speak with?"

Steve Perrera, Attorney for John Deshais
"Not as yet, no."

Perera will try to get a bail hearing for him on Friday.

Channel 7