A well-known Colorado real estate developer met a tragic end in what authorities believe was a targeted attack. Boris Mannsfeld, founder of Boris Mannsfeld and Associates, was fatally shot at his luxury beachside resort, Villas of Cocoplum, in Maya Beach, Belize, on February 21.
Authorities discovered Mannsfeld, 56, lying face down in a pool of blood, with a single gunshot wound to the back of the neck. His loaded 9mm pistol, wallet, and a shell casing were found near his body. Police suspect the attack was an execution-style killing, raising concerns about a possible link to two other high-profile murders in recent years.
A Series of Mysterious Deaths
The investigation took a darker turn as officials pointed out that two of Mannsfeld’s known associates, Ricardo Borja and Darren Taylor, had been murdered in similar attacks.
1. Ricardo Borja was killed in September 2023, and authorities had initially questioned Frik De Meyere in connection with his death. However, no formal charges were filed.
2. Darren Taylor was murdered in April 2024, and several individuals have since been charged and are awaiting trial.
Police Commissioner Chester Williams confirmed that Mannsfeld had been traveling in and out of Belize since the deaths of his associates. The timing of his return, on the very day he was killed, has raised even more questions.
Possible Connections to a Fraud Case
Investigators are also looking into a financial dispute that Mannsfeld had been involved in. In January, he sent an email mentioning a “massive fraud case” involving millions of dollars in stolen assets. Reports indicate that he was part of a $3.9 million lawsuit against a former business associate.
Authorities are considering whether his murder was linked to this ongoing legal battle. The nature of the fraud case, combined with his high-profile real estate dealings, has fueled speculation that his death may have been an act of retaliation.
Who Was Boris Mannsfeld?
Mannsfeld had deep ties to Belize, a country he had fallen in love with during his first visit in 1992. He returned every year, eventually building his dream home in 2006 to oversee his investments. His real estate developments, including Villas of Cocoplum, became some of the most sought-after properties in the country.
Beyond real estate, he played an active role in the community:
1. Founder of the Placencia Volunteer Fire Department
2. A member of the local emergency response team
3. A sworn Belize Police officer
His contributions to Belize were significant, making his murder even more shocking to those who knew him.
Ongoing Investigation and Arrests
Police have taken Frik De Meyere into custody as a suspect in Mannsfeld’s death. De Meyere had previously been linked to Borja’s murder, though he was never charged. While authorities are still piecing together the details, they have yet to establish a clear motive connecting all three killings.
Investigators continue to explore whether these attacks were coordinated or if Mannsfeld’s high-stakes financial dealings played a role in his tragic end. As Belize officials push forward with the case, the community remains on edge, hoping for justice in what appears to be a string of targeted assassinations.