Panamanian diplomat killed in Belize; suspect detained

BELIZE CITY – Authorities in Belize say they have detained a man suspected of killing a Panamanian diplomat.

Jose Rodrigo De La Rosa was charge d'affaires at the Panamanian embassy in Belmopan, the capital of Belize.

His body was found late Sunday near a highway on the outskirts of the city with cut wounds on his head and neck.

The spokeswoman for Panama's Foreign Affairs Ministry said Wednesday a three-member team of investigators and diplomats had been sent to Belize to familiarize themselves with the case.

Spokeswoman Monica de Leon said De La Rosa was a 64-year-old career diplomat. The ministry said he had served in various postings, including in Canada, Bolivia, Spain, Trinidad and Tobago and Israel.