The man accused of murdering South African stewardess Paige Bell aboard a £9.5 million superyacht in the Bahamas has been pictured for the first time.
Mexican crew member Brigido Munoz allegedly sexually assaulted and killed Bell in the 142-foot vessel’s engine room – just days before her 21st birthday.
Munoz appeared in court in capital Nassau, where Chief Magistrate Roberto Reckley denied him bail and remanded him in custody until a 20 November hearing.
Injuries on his arms
Munoz, who worked as an engineer on board the Far From It yacht, was not required to enter a plea.
The magistrates court heard Bell 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.
He was rushed to hospital before being charged.
Described by friends as a “golden girl,” Bell was reportedly just days away from returning to South Africa to celebrate her 21st birthday on 14 July.
Tribute from former school
Bell’s former school, Hillcrest High School, in KwaZulu-Natal, paid tribute to her on social media.
“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.
“Paige matriculated in 2022 and is remembered by our HHS community 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.”
At the time of publishing, the GoFundMe page had raised $50 377 (R900 000).
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