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 is accused of sexually assaulting and murdering the South African woman in the engine room of a 142-foot yacht, just days before she would have turned 21.
Munoz was brought before the court in Nassau, where Chief Magistrate Roberto Reckley refused him bail and kept him in custody until the hearing set for November 20.
The Mexican national, who worked as an engineer on board the Far From It yacht, was not required to enter a plea.
During the magistrates court session, it was revealed that Paige was discovered partially clothed and bloodied, with cuts on her neck and defensive wounds on her arms, indicating that she attempted to fight back.
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.
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.
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.
