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Miami Herald
4 hours ago
- Miami Herald
Bahamian police investigate murder of yacht crewmember. Vessel now in Fort Lauderdale
Bahamian authorities have charged the engineer of a luxury yacht with the murder of a crew member colleague who was found stabbed to death in the vessel's engine room while it was docked in Eleuthera earlier this month. Bahamian police say the woman, 20-year-old Paige Bell, from South Africa, was reported missing for a short period of time before being found dead on the 142-foot yacht, Far From It, while it was in Harbour Island, Eleuthera, on July 3. Charged with her death is 39-year-old Brigido Muños, a Mexican national who also worked on the vessel, according to Our News Bahamas. Per the news outlet, a judge denied Muños' bond, and his next court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 20. The Royal Bahamas Police Force said that Muños had 'severe' wounds to his arms when they found him, and investigators think he tried to kill himself after he killed Bell. According to the ship tracking site the Far From It is docked at a Fort Lauderdale marina on the New River this week. Representatives from the company that books trips on the yacht could not immediately be reached for comment. Renting the yacht, which has a crew of eight and can accommodate 12 guests in its six cabins, costs between $140,000 and $165,000 a week, depending on the time of year, according to The Luxury Charter Group. It sails to destinations including the the Bahamas, the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, the Windward and Leeward Islands and all the way to north to New England, the company says. Bell's former shipmates from another yacht, the Sweet Emocean, posted on a GoFundMe page set up to financially help her family, that she was going to celebrate her 21st birthday on July 14. 'Paige was more than a teammate, she was family. Her radiant spirit, infectious laughter, and boundless compassion made an unforgettable impact on everyone lucky enough to know her. Whether it was long days at sea or quiet moments under the stars, she brought light and warmth wherever she went,' her former colleagues wrote. 'In this difficult time, we want to come together to support the people she loved most, her family.'
The Citizen
7 days ago
- The Citizen
Murdered KZN woman's family seeks help to bring her home from Bahamas
A GoFundMe account has been set up to assist the family of Paige Bell, a former KZN learner who was murdered and allegedly sexually assaulted in the Bahamas. Highway Mail reports her body was found in the ship's engine room last Thursday. The Witness adds that Bahamas police have arrested a 39-year-old Mexican man, a fellow crew member, in connection with her death. He appeared in court yesterday and was denied bail. Local news outlets in the Bahamas said the investigation is ongoing. Highway Mail states Bell and the accused worked aboard the Far From It superyacht. At the time of the incident, the yacht was anchored off Harbour Island. Bell, who would have celebrated her 21st birthday on July 14, is a former Hillcrest High School learner. Hillcrest High School wrote on Facebook: 'It is with great sadness that we offer our deepest condolences to the family and friends, and all who knew and loved former Hillcrest High School pupil Paige Bell.' The school described Bell, who matriculated in 2022, as an incredibly special young lady who was the happiest, most bubbly person. 'We know that her untimely and tragic death is a great loss to all who knew Paige, and beyond devastating to her parents and family. As a school we will be holding them in our thoughts and prayers and would like to ask for the support of the greater HHS community in bringing Paige home to her family. Please share and donate to the GoFundMe account that was set up, in her honour, to assist her family during this incredibly difficult time,' read the post. To assist the family, visit Honouring Paige Bell: Support Her Family. The Witness reports that captains who had worked with Bell started the GoFundMe campaign, where they also wrote tributes and showed support for her family. 'Paige was more than a teammate, she was family,' wrote crew members of the Sweet Emocean in the campaign. 'Her radiant spirit, infectious laughter and boundless compassion made an unforgettable impact on everyone lucky enough to know her.' They shared memories of long days at sea and quiet moments under the stars, where Paige's warmth and kindness touched every corner of the boat. Her former colleagues said she would be remembered as a 'beautiful soul' who brought light wherever she went. Since its launch, the GoFundMe campaign has raised over $44 000 (nearly R800 000) from more than 500 donors around the world. The funds will assist the Bell family with the costs of repatriation and legal proceedings abroad. In a heartfelt post shared by Palma Yacht Crew, her sister, Chelsey Jacobs, said their parents, Michelle and John Bell, had flown to the Bahamas 'to begin the painful process of not only bringing their baby girl home, but also seeking justice for the monster that took her life'. 'We are devastated beyond words,' she wrote. 'Now we must also navigate complex and costly legal proceedings in a foreign country, something far beyond our family's financial means.' On what would have been her 21st birthday, Bell's mother asked friends and supporters to eat red velvet cake — her favourite — in remembrance. 'Whether you choose to donate, share a memory, or simply say a prayer — every gesture matters,' said the Sweet Emocean crew. 'Let's come together to honour her life.' The motive behind the killing remains unclear, and although the suspect appeared in court, he has not yet been formally charged due to the Bahamas' criminical justice system. Police investigations are expected to continue in the weeks ahead. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Scottish Sun
7 days ago
- Scottish Sun
First pic of ‘superyacht slasher' accused of murdering stewardess in £9.5m vessel engine room days before 21st birthday
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE man accused of murdering young stewardess Paige Bell aboard a £9.5million superyacht in the Bahamas has been pictured for the first time. Crew member Brigido Munoz allegedly sexually assaulted and killed the South African in the 142ft vessel's engine room - just days before her 21st birthday. 8 Ship engineer Brigido Munoz, 39, is accused of murdering stewardess Paige Bell Credit: Facebook 8 The 20-year-old died aboard a £9.5million superyacht in the Bahamas Credit: Facebook 8 Paige, from South Africa, was just days away from celebrating her 21st birthday Munoz appeared in court in capital Nassau, where Chief Magistrare Roberto Reckley denied him bail and remanded him in custody until a November 20 hearing. The Mexican national, who worked as an engineer on board the Far From It yacht, was not required to enter a plea. The magistrates court heard Paige was found partially clothed and bloodied, with slash wounds to her neck and defensive injuries on her arms – suggesting she fought for her life. Munoz was reportedly discovered lying close by with injuries on his arms, in what authorities suspect may have been a failed suicide attempt, the New York Post reports. He was rushed to hospital before being charged. Bahamas police say they were alerted to the scene shortly after 1pm on July 3 and found Paige unresponsive in the engine room of the yacht. The boat was anchored just off the celebrity-studded Harbour Island – dubbed the 'Billionaires' Backyard' due to its ultra-wealthy clientele. According to reports, the crew had been preparing a lavish birthday celebration for Paige on July 14. Her boyfriend had reportedly been planning a huge party both at the marina and onboard Far From It, which charters for a staggering £120,000 a week. When Paige, from Johannesburg, didn't answer her phone or show up for duties, fellow crew members searched the luxury vessel before making the horror discovery in the engine room. Airport runway trespasser 'sucked into plane engine and killed' in Milan Police confirmed they are investigating both a murder and a suspected suicide attempt. During her yachting career, Paige was described as a 'golden girl' by friends as she worked as a guest relations officer on Far From It. A former colleague from her former boat Sweet Emocean described her as more than just a crew member. They wrote: 'Paige was more than a teammate, she was family. 'Her radiant spirit, infectious laughter, and boundless compassion made an unforgettable impact on everyone lucky enough to know her.' The tragedy has shaken not just the yachting world but also the tight-knit community back home in South Africa. 8 Munoz appeared in court in capital Nassau where he was denied bail Credit: Facebook 8 Munoz and Paige both worked at the luxurious Far From It yacht 8 Paige worked as a guest relations officer aboard the vessel Credit: Facebook Paige's heartbroken family said that the ordeal has left them grappling with overwhelming grief and mounting legal costs as they navigate a foreign justice system. Her parents flew out to Bahamas earlier this week to begin the painful process of bringing their girl home as they seek justice for "the monster that took her life". A statement from the family read: "Our family is facing an unimaginable journey. "This evening [earlier this week] mom and dad are flying to the Bahamas to begin the painful process of not only bringing their baby girl home but also seeking justice for the monster that took her life. "We are devastated beyond words and now we must also navigate complex and costly legal proceedings in a foreign country – something far beyond our financial means. "This heart-breaking loss has been deeply felt by everyone who knew and loved 'Paigey' – her former captain, the boat owner, all the crew on board and our entire community. "We are humbly asking for your support whether by sharing this message or contributing financially, every bit helps. Please keep our family in your thoughts and prayers. "We are grateful for your love, support, and solidarity during this incredibly difficult time." Despite the horror, her loved ones are determined to honour Paige's memory – with her mum reportedly still planning to mark her daughter's birthday with red velvet cake, her favourite. Munoz remains behind bars as the investigation continues, with autopsy results and forensic analysis expected to further clarify the events that unfolded aboard Far From It. 8 Paige's heartbroken family have since flown out to the Bahamas to begin the painful process of bringing her home
The Irish Sun
7 days ago
- The Irish Sun
First pic of ‘superyacht slasher' accused of murdering stewardess in £9.5m vessel engine room days before 21st birthday
THE man accused of murdering young stewardess Paige Bell aboard a £9.5million superyacht in the Bahamas has been pictured for the first time. Crew member Brigido Munoz allegedly sexually assaulted and Advertisement 8 Ship engineer Brigido Munoz, 39, is accused of murdering stewardess Paige Bell Credit: Facebook 8 The 20-year-old died aboard a £9.5million superyacht in the Bahamas Credit: Facebook 8 Paige, from South Africa, was just days away from celebrating her 21st birthday Munoz appeared in court in capital Nassau, where Chief Magistrare Roberto Reckley denied him bail and remanded him in custody until a November 20 hearing. The Mexican national, who worked as an engineer on board the Far From It yacht, was not required to enter a plea. The magistrates court heard Paige was found partially clothed and bloodied, with slash wounds to her neck and defensive injuries on her arms – suggesting she fought for her life. Munoz was reportedly discovered lying close by with injuries on his arms, in what authorities suspect may have been a failed suicide attempt, the Advertisement Read more bahamas stories He was rushed to hospital before being charged. Bahamas police say they were alerted to the scene shortly after 1pm on July 3 and found Paige unresponsive in the engine room of the yacht. The boat was anchored just off the celebrity-studded Harbour Island – dubbed the 'Billionaires' Backyard' due to its ultra-wealthy clientele. According to reports, the crew had been preparing a lavish birthday celebration for Paige on July 14. Advertisement Most read in The US Sun Exclusive Her boyfriend had reportedly been planning a huge party both at the marina and onboard Far From It, which charters for a staggering £120,000 a week. When Paige, from Johannesburg, didn't answer her phone or show up for duties, fellow crew members searched the luxury vessel before making the horror discovery in the engine room. Airport runway trespasser 'sucked into plane engine and killed' in Milan Police confirmed they are investigating both a murder and a suspected suicide attempt. During her yachting career, Paige was described as a 'golden girl' by friends as she worked as a guest relations officer on Far From It. Advertisement A former colleague from her former boat Sweet Emocean described her as more than just a crew member. They wrote: 'Paige was more than a teammate, she was family. 'Her radiant spirit, infectious laughter, and boundless compassion made an unforgettable impact on everyone lucky enough to know her.' The tragedy has shaken not just the yachting world but also the tight-knit community back home in South Africa. Advertisement 8 Munoz appeared in court in capital Nassau where he was denied bail Credit: Facebook 8 Munoz and Paige both worked at the luxurious Far From It yacht 8 Paige worked as a guest relations officer aboard the vessel Credit: Facebook Paige's heartbroken family said that the ordeal has left them grappling with overwhelming grief and mounting legal costs as they navigate a foreign justice system. Advertisement Her parents flew out to Bahamas earlier this week to begin the painful process of bringing their girl home as they seek justice for "the monster that took her life". A statement from the family read: "Our family is facing an unimaginable journey. "This evening [earlier this week] mom and dad are flying to the Bahamas to begin the painful process of not only bringing their baby girl home but also seeking justice for the monster that took her life. "We are devastated beyond words and now we must also navigate complex and costly legal proceedings in a foreign country – something far beyond our financial means. Advertisement "This heart-breaking loss has been deeply felt by everyone who knew and loved 'Paigey' – her former captain, the boat owner, all the crew on board and our entire community. "We are humbly asking for your support whether by sharing this message or contributing financially, every bit helps. Please keep our family in your thoughts and prayers. "We are grateful for your love, support, and solidarity during this incredibly difficult time." Despite the horror, her loved ones are determined to honour Paige's memory – with her mum reportedly still planning to mark her daughter's birthday with red velvet cake, her favourite. Advertisement Munoz remains behind bars as the investigation continues, with autopsy results and forensic analysis expected to further clarify the events that unfolded aboard Far From It. 8 Paige's heartbroken family have since flown out to the Bahamas to begin the painful process of bringing her home 8 Her grieving mum is reportedly still planning to mark her daughter's birthday with her favourite cake Credit: Facebook
The Herald
7 days ago
- The Herald
'A beautiful soul': South African murdered on luxury yacht in Bahamas, days before 21st birthday
Former KwaZulu-Natal schoolgirl Paige Bell, who signed up to crew on luxury yachts, has been murdered. Police in the Bahamas have arrested another crew member, a Mexican man aged 39, in connection with her death on July 3 on the 'Far From It' superyacht. He appeared in court briefly on Wednesday where bail was denied, according to news reports there. She had been planning to return home to celebrate her 21st birthday on July 14 with family and friends. This is according to the crew of the motor yacht 'Sweet Emocean' on which she had worked as a stewardess until December. They have launched a GoFundMe campaign to help her family. 'Paige was more than a teammate, she was family. Her radiant spirit, infectious laughter, and boundless compassion made an unforgettable impact on everyone lucky enough to know her. Whether it was long days at sea or quiet moments under the stars, she brought light and warmth wherever she went,' they shared. The crowdfunding campaign in honour of Bell, who they called 'a beautiful soul', has so far raised US $44,631 (about R792,587) from 542 donations. The Hillcrest high school near Durban has also paid tribute to her, saying she would be remembered 'as an incredibly special young lady who was the happiest, most bubbly person.' She matriculated there in 2022. Her sister Chelsey Jacobs, in a Facebook post shared by Palma Yacht Crew, said their parents Michelle and John Bell had flown to the Bahamas ' to begin the painful process of not only bringing their baby girl home, but also seeking justice for the monster that took her life.' Thanking donors for their pledges, she said: 'We are devastated beyond words, and now we must also navigate complex and costly legal proceedings in a foreign country, something far beyond our family's financial means. We are grateful for your love, support, and solidarity during this incredibly difficult time.'
