This article contains a link (or links) to Amazon, from which, as an Amazon Associate, this website will earn a small commission if you make any purchases. Only three percent of Belize homicides result in convictions. Investigators said that they were questioning a man who was seen fishing near the crime scene, but he was not considered a prime suspect at this time. The police spokesperson told ABC News that the investigation is ongoing and nothing has been ruled out. 1 file(s) 142.47 KB. Our thoughts, prayers and attention are now focused on helping his family navigate this difficult time.. The club is located in San Pedros Central Park. WebThe police spokesperson told ABC News that the investigation is ongoing and nothing has been ruled out. However, the Prime Minister emphasized that San Pedro remains a safe place for people to visit. WebBelize is a very corrupt and violent country and I don't mean just the drug gangs in Belize City which clearly makeup most of the murder. In October 2022, the U.S. State Department listed Belize as a Level 2 travel advisory for Belize. This is the generic advice Id give to people traveling anywhere. However, New Orleans media outlet nola.com identified her as JBria Bowens, a nursing student a Louisiana State University. The state department also notes that Belize police lack resources to effectively investigate crimes. If he had not been the type of doctor that he was, I probably would not have seen him. Business owner Lamont Lipka shot and killed in San Pedro The San Pedro Sun https://t.co/rambnluOZE via @SanPedroSun, The San Pedro Sun (@SanPedroSun) May 14, 2018. Email us at [emailprotected] for more information. Its also the only nightclub that opens after midnight. The grisly slaying of a Virginia doctor coincided with a week-long bloodbath in Belize that left eight others murdered, according to a report. One of the primary industries in the town is tourism, most notably scuba diving. Belize Police Commissioner Chester Williams told local outlet 7 News Belize on Saturday that two men had been arrested and charged with murder in the killing that occurred Friday night in San Pedro on the island of Ambergris Caye, a popular tourist destination. Crime is an issue which should never be made political, its a problem that requires all sectors of society to fight it together.. The country also lifted the mask mandate, but travelers may still need a mask for their inbound flight and inside the airport. As of Tuesday night, a person-of-interest had not been identified and no one had been detained for questioning. 2019, BreakingBelizeNews.com. His absence leaves a void in our team and in our community. Track SoCal rain with LIVE Megadoppler 7000 HD, Chuck Goudie, Ann Pistone, Barb Markoff, Christine Tressel and Ross Weidner. There has been a noted increase in violent crime targeting tourists since the end of 2013. Advertise with the mt vtd nw t n Belize ~ We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages. But our colleague wasn't the only American killed recently in Belize. Swank is not the first tourist to be killed in Belize, however his death occurred while on a fly fishing trip at a popular tourist attraction in Belize. In a statement, Briceo described Bowens death as a random act of terrorism. She was staying at the Nabitunich Farm near a tiny town called San Jose Succotz. I never heard any of that stuff before arriving. In January 2016, a vacationing news anchor from Chicago died in Cayo District. WebUS tourist killed by gunfire in Belize. Or were they just in the wrong place at the wrong time? Bowens was apparently struck by gunfire outside a nightclub. Download. Tourism Review Online Magazine 1 / 2020. CHICAGO (WLS) -- The ABC7 I-Team reports on dangers in paradise and crime threats to tourists following the murder of our ABC7 colleague Anne Swaney three weeks ago. All Rights Reserved. ANNUAL MAJOR CRIMES STATISTICS 1 file(s) 142.47 KB. The U.S. Embassy, in keeping with State Department policy, did not identify the victim. A Virginia doctor and his tour guide were murdered during a fly-fishing expedition in Belize, authorities said. The killings drew international media attention but remain unsolved. Officials said a San Pedro resident was killed three days later by two unknown masked men. The passengers were on the Carnival Vista, which left out of Galveston. According to reports, around 9 pm, American national Stephanie Nevis,34, was drinking at the resort when she was informed that the bar was closing. Join BBN mailing list for the latest news on Belize. Advertising Opportunity Looking for Internet marketing, social media presence and direct email exposure to a Belizean oriented market of over 500,000 individuals every month? According to the National Safety Council's study of census data, the chances of being killed in the air are around 1 out of 205,552, and one in 102 for the car. We often hear I woke up and my computer/phone/purse was missing. Content is copyrighted and requires written permission for reprinting in online or print media. What my research didnt tell me was about gunfire at night and conflicts at the Mexican border between drug runners. So far, six months into 2019, there are 70 murders and that is not counting those people still missing and those whose remains have yet to be identified, Briceno said. Belize Prime Minister John Briceo confirmed that police have arrested a number of persons in connection with the murder of the American tourist. #BreakingNews #BelizeNews #StannCreekNews The body of Sherris Stringham was found last night by Police Officers near Pomona Village, 4 minors and 1 eighteen year old are said to be in Police Custody. This site contains occasional affiliate (referral) links to products we trust. I treat everyone the same, ask for help, and return the favor. But the I-Team has found dangers in paradise that you won't see in the travel brochures - including Belize, which has one of the highest murder rates in the world. "We don't really have any areas around here that are off limits to, we don't say don't go somewhere," said Tom Thomas, a resort operator. Police say that Swank was killed because he was a witness to the murder of tour guide Mario Graniel. Police told the outlet they believe Graniel was the target because just a day earlier, a gunman reportedly fired shots outside his apartment complex, and one of the rounds penetrated his front door. Officials said Swanks murder was one of four deadly incidents across the country in a four-day period, local news outlet Amandala reported. WebTwo Carnival Cruise Line passengers were killed in a van accident during an independent tour in Belize. Ultimately, Mexico's murder rate may have risen to about 27 per 100,000, but its homicide rate is still only about half that of Honduras or El Salvador. Wheres the best hospital nearRead More Wheres the Best Hospital Near Me in Central America? As of Tuesday night, a person-of-interest had not been identified and no Web(Statistics from the Belize Police Department) CRIMES COMPARATIVE JANUARY 2022 2023. Breaking Belize News invites you to share your story with the world. Gary Paul Swank, 53, a cardiologist at Carilion Clinic, who was recently promoted to associate professor at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, was on vacation with his wife and school-age children when he was killed on Sunday, according to NBC affiliate WSLS. They were travelling along George Price Highway shortly before noon, in a small blue SUV being driven by their tour guide, Leon Garcia of Big John's Tour See the State Departments travel website for the Worldwide Caution and Travel Advisories. Sticking your head into the sand of one of our beautiful Caribbean beaches is not the best way to go. Advertise with the mt vtd nw t n Belize ~ We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages. Again, little news about this case or any arrests or convictions so far. Teresa Hodges, a patient of Swanks for 13 years, told the outlet she was devastated to hear what had happened. "She was a trailblazer in the digital news space and was one of our first website employees," said John H. Idler, president and general manager of ABC7 Chicago. He has called on residents of San Pedro to stand with police as they hunt for criminals in the community. ANNUAL As far as if its safe to come to Belize, I say yes as long as you keep your eyes open and your wits about you. Following the murder of tourist Dr. GarySwank, 53, in San Pedro last week, the Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) has reported that as of yesterday, seven properties across the country have seen tourists cancel trips scheduled for November, December and even January 2020. Its no secret that Belize City is a cesspool of crime, with gang conflicts and shootings almost daily. They were identified as Ernest Wills Sr., 49, Travis Cooke, 23, Allison Jones, 19, Jamar Martinez, 23, and Winston Santos, 40. About bodies floating to shore and military personnel walking the beaches with automatic weapons. Both men were rushed to the San Pedro Polyclinic, where they were pronounced dead. Shortly thereafter, the assistant manager and the bartender went to look for her. The ninth murder this week in the country was 47-year-old Yolanda Requea, who was stabbed to death Sunday in San Ignacio. It was the emerald hills of western Belize that attracted ABC7 web producer Anne Swaney. pic.twitter.com/94qBPRi2F4, Belize.com (@Belizean) December 31, 2022. Read it here: https://t.co/crTR6zsohu. The many Belizeans who are assaulted and the many businesspersons who are held at gunpoint, beaten and their establishment are robbed are a persistent reminder that crime continues to rise.. There's no need to be concerned about safety on commercial flights. The US State Department confirmed the incident, but provided no further comment. MEXICO CITY -- The United States Embassy in the Central American nation of Belize on Sunday confirmed the death of a U.S. citizen there and said it was closely monitoring the local investigation. In this part of the world, the most popular places for Americans and Chicagoans are also the most remote and the most difficult to get to, especially after a night of rain. Cruise ship visitors disembarking for a few hours while at the port have been targeted by scammers. WebA tourist from Arizona has gone missing while on a catamaran tour on Rendezvous Caye in Belize, police there said Wednesday. Nevis then reportedly walked toward the seaside. Swaney is being remembered as a newsroom leader with a penchant for detail and a passion for getting facts straight. This looked suspicious, so they went to her cabin, and she wasn't there. Theft of content without permission/payment is punishable by law. One was Canadian and the other from the US. Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. "It doesn't tell me that we believe this is going to happen again or something we can really do to prevent it," Thomas said. She was staying at an equine lodge last month when someone attacked her and dragged her body into the Mopan River. "At 8:15 a.m. (Friday) the police search found her. Many of their vehicles, weapons and other equipment are provided by the U.S. Government. Last year, a record quarter-million flew off to their rich beaches, offshore diving spots and inland jungles, teeming with wildlife along great hiking trails and meandering rivers. MEXICO CITY (AP) The United States Embassy in the tiny Central American nation of Belize on Sunday confirmed the death of a U.S. citizen The American tourist was taken to the Dr Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II. However, New Orleans media outlet nola.com identified her as JBria Bowens, a nursing student a Louisiana State University. U.S. Embassy officials urge visitors to Belize to travel only in groups, only during the day; avoid wearing jewelry or carrying valuables. The attractive Belize tourism videos certainly don't tout the crime concern, and the U.S. State Department hasn't put Belize on its warning list of nearly 50 nations - including others in Central America - even though the fine print cites Belize high for "violent crimes such as armed robbery, home invasions, shootings, stabbings, murders, and sexual assaults" for "tourists at resorts and on the roads.". Pretty much every visitor toRead More Is Guatemala City Safe? They had been missing for nearly a week. Results of an autopsy are pending at the Belize City Morgue, local police said. Bowens was apparently struck by gunfire outside a nightclub. Thanks for contacting us. Central America stories, info, news, and opinion coming to you from local and expat writers in Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama. Columbus-area measles outbreak was the nation's largest in 2022. (And Which Parts Should I Visit And/Or Avoid?). Gary Paul Swank, 53, a cardiologist at Carilion Clinic, was shot dead Sunday as officials say the tourist destination has become paralyzed by crime, Belize Live News reported. Your content is delivered instantly to thousands of users in Belize and abroad! There is not a nationwide tourist advisory in effect for Belize. US national killed in nightclub shooting #Belize 23 year old #LSU nursing student J'Bria Michelle Bowens an Indianapolis IN native lost her life Friday night 30 January 2022 when a gunman opened fire against a person outside Jaguar's nightclub on Ambergris Caye Belize. "At 8 a.m. yesterday, Anne went to the Mopan River to do her yoga practice," said Benque Viejo Police Superintendent Daniel Arzu. The entire Carilion family extends Thanks for contacting us. "Due to privacy considerations, we have no further comment at this time.". Swanks colleagues and patients grieved the sudden loss of a seasoned, caring doctor. By BBN Staff: Belizes tourism sector is beginning to feel the effects of the escalating crime situation as tourists have begun canceling their trips to Belize. Join BBN mailing list for the latest news on Belize. An autopsy shows that an American news producer found dead while staying in a vacation resort in Belize was strangled. San Pedro nightlife offers restaurants, bars and nightclubs. ?Check out OSACs 2018 Crime and Safety Report on Belize to learn the most up-to-date traveler security information. Respected Voice of Tourism. The most popular nightclub in town is Jaguars Temple. An American woman disappeared over the weekend while vacationing in Belize, authorities said. San Pedro has long enjoyed peace and security as a result of strong, disciplined Police presence and solid community support, he said. Its been a few years now since I moved to Belize and I think Ive assimilated well into my local community. I was stunned, I was shocked, I had tears because I was so excited about seeing him at my next visit., The State Department has issued a Level 2 travel advisory for Belize, urging increased caution as violent crime such as sexual assault, home invasions, armed robberies, and murder are common even during daylight hours and in tourist areas.. However, the citys party scene isnt a wild one like some other parts of the Caribbean. Belize Police Commissioner Chester Williams told local outlet 7 News Belize on Saturday that two men had been arrested and charged with murder in the killing that occurred Friday night in San Pedro on the island of Ambergris Caye, a popular tourist destination. Jerry Espat was killed in October in the waters off Ambergris Caye, while taximan Leo Skeen was killed at his home. The best thing you can have at home to keep you safe is a big dog. And then just this month, a US retiree living in Hopkins was found, although arrests have been made in this case. Published by Teresa Romero , Feb 17, 2022. In May 2018, a gunman shot dead a Texan expat in his popular San Pedro restaurant in the early evening. Belize was included on the FY12, 13 and 14 U.S. Majors List of illegal narcotic producing and/or transit countries. She had lived in the area for years and was selling her home. "On the bus I felt safe but I would not want to be off the bus," said Brian Mielke, a Naperville resident. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. I say considering Belize only has a population of 350,000, one or two expat murders should be a major concern. Police investigation led to the custody of several suspects, but all were released. He said the attackers used an assault rifle and the intended target had been a local gang leader. The Belize murder rate is third highest in the world - more than twice the homicide rate of Chicago and higher than any U.S. city. Dr. Swank was a well-respected and well-loved colleague who, each and every day, embodied the values that we hold dear. John Burgos, Executive Director of the BTIA spoke with Breaking Belize News (BBN) today, explaining that he attended a public meeting in San Pedro hosted by the Commissioner of Police. After a number of recent high-profile tourist/expat homicides, we look at crime in Belize and try to determine how safe it actually is right now. This murder remains unsolved. The United States Embassy in the tiny Central American nation of Belize on Sunday confirmed the death of a U.S. citizen there and said it was closely monitoring the local investigation. "Things happen, and it's super sad, and you don't want to be that person," said Natalie Shellworth, an American tourist. At least 125 murders were committed in Belize in 2021. Web(Statistics from the Belize Police Department) CRIMES COMPARATIVE JANUARY 2022 2023. She apparently had planned to go on a horseback expedition Thursday morning, but when the group came up one animal short, Swaney stayed behind. 1 file(s) 146.10 KB. Your content is delivered instantly to thousands of users in Belize and abroad! Tourists in Belize are often victims of theft, but few experience real violence. Drugs? PHOTOS: Anne Elizabeth McComb Swaney, 1976-2016. Copyright 2023 WLS-TV. Swank and his tour guide, Mario Nestle Graniel Jr., 53, were killed during a fly-fishing expedition in the San Pedro Town lagoon five days after a group of five fishermen were shot to death in Swallow Caye. An expat in Placencia was also strangled in December 2017, found next to her rental vehicle. Authorities say its complicated because of the proximity to the Guatemala border. Please email us your news at [emailprotected]. If you read the US State Departments OSAC (Overseas Security Advisory Council) Crime & Safety Report for Belize in 2018, youll see the words exercise increased caution. The police came with their canine unit, and the scent led them along the river but due to the darkness the search was called off for the night before finding her," Arzu told ABC7 Chicago. Alison MacKenzie, 43, of Arizona, was among a group of tourists who on Friday embarked on an overnight excursion to Rendezvous Caye, a tiny island off the coast of Belize. Robbery? 1 file(s) 142.81 KB. WebSwank is not the first tourist to be killed in Belize, however his death occurred while on a fly fishing trip at a popular tourist attraction in Belize. Plan is to increase Police Presence and Power of Authority. In December 2022, Belize dropped all Covid-related travel restrictions. What about now? Anne Swaney from Chicago was that person - her life taken as she did yoga by herself on this riverside platform 1,700 miles from home; something no one could have predicted, and only her killer could have prevented. The incident could have far-reaching implications on the tourism sector, which when taken in the larger context of the services sector, helps account for over 50 percent of the countrys Gross Domestic Product. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? We've received your submission. In Central America, Belize is one of the fastest-growing destinations for Americans. Graniels body was discovered inside the boat with multiple apparent gunshot wounds, and Swanks body was found floating face-down in the lagoon, about 30 feet away from the boat also with what appeared to be gunshot wounds. But since 2016 several foreigners have been murdered in Belize. Prospect police investigating crash involving school bus, bike, Chicago mayoral race down to Vallas, Johnson in runoff election, Ice flies off SUV, smashing windshield: 'You could kill somebody'. Most crimes remain unresolved and unprosecuted, it added. Alison MacKenzie was reported missing in Rendezvous Caye, Belize, on Jan. 18, 2020. Belize Police Commissioner Chester Williams told local outlet 7 News Belize on Saturday that two men had been arrested and charged with murder in the killing that occurred Friday night in San Pedro on the island of Ambergris Caye, a popular tourist destination. Our meeting first meeting was in the ER, Saunders said. Remember, were only talking about foreigners murdered here. She was reported missing in Rendezvous Caye, Belize, on Jan. 18, 2020. Respect your surroundings and try to become one with your community. Last fall, a man from Washington D.C was stabbed to death in his seaside hotel room; another U.S. national was attacked and killed on his farm; and a Canadian film producer was stabbed in the doorway of the home where he was staying. "Anne helped us evolve our business and our newsroom, but most importantly, she was a kind person who was always had a smile and a positive attitude.". As the most-visited destination in the country, San Pedro is home to the second-largest barrier reed in the world. https://t.co/DOPUhxwZrt, Ambergris Today (@ambergrisnews) September 5, 2018. She was already dead on arrival. A Few Words About the Costa Rica Murder Rate. ', Death toll keeps rising in Greece's deadliest train crash, Brunt of storm moving out of SoCal, light showers on tap Wednesday, AccuWeather: AM showers before a mild afternoon. Im very serious about me and my wifes personal safety. WebGary Paul Swank, 53, a cardiologist at Carilion Clinic, was shot dead Sunday as officials say the tourist destination has become paralyzed by crime, Belize Live News reported. The Belize Consulate in Washington, DC, called the shooting tragic, but told WSLS that it needed to find out more before it could comment. The tourist was not the intended target, it just so happened she was in the line of fire between these two factions, Williams told 7 News Belize. WebThe United States Embassy in the Central American nation of Belize on Sunday confirmed the death of an American tourist there and said it was closely monitoring the local investigation, In the very same district where Anne was murdered, northern Indiana native Paul Signorino and an American friend were killed in a machete and gun attack last May. We are fed up of the press conferences and constant claims that show crime is decreasing, said John Briceno, leader of the Peoples United Party. The U.S. Embassy, in keeping with State Department policy, did not identify the victim. A physical check showed bruises on her neck and lacerations on either side of her head," Arzu said. Brico stated he understands the outrage that exists in the community given the impact it can have on the vital tourism sector. Jacqueline Abad, 53, and Sara Like the previous cases mentioned, no leads or convictions, which seems to be the norm. But we are now witnessing more serious crimes creep into the south and out to the islands where the tourists go. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. 4:50 pm CST. Increased level of Crime in Two South-side communities of Belize City force Government to Declare a State of Emergency in the areas. We are heartbroken at his loss. But I heard all these stories on Ambergris Caye and my protective nature kicked my alertness up two notches while I was there. CHICAGO -- An American tourist was killed in Belize, and the victim was identified as Anne Swaney, executive producer of digital operations at our sister station, ABC7 Chicago. It holds a diverse number of species. I would argue you should exercise caution no matter where in the world you travel. To date, there has been little released about this double murder or any hope of solving it. Cases of sexual assault against female travelers have also be been reported in that district. Crime Stoppers Belize says WE can be more active in the fight against CRIME! A member of the tour group reported that when they woke up the next morning around 6:00 a.m., MacKenzie was nowhere to be found, according to a spokesperson for the Belize Police Department. He saved my life and every time I went to his office, he was a very knowledgeable, patient and caring person, she said. The tourist was not the intended target, it just so happened she was in the line of fire between these two factions, Williams told 7 News Belize. And all Americans are encouraged to register with the state department's Smart Traveler program whenever in a foreign country - a free service that allows for emergency contact. Burgos stressed that getting the situation under control is important to the economic wellbeing of the tourism sector so the BTIA will be following up with the relevant authorities on those commitments. He said the attackers used an assault rifle and the intended target had been a local gang leader. Breaking Belize News is able to offer a marketing package that uses internet, social media and email to reach over 500,000 Belizean-centric potential customers each month. Download. The I-Team traveled to Central America after Anne was killed. Brunt of storm moving out of SoCal on Wednesday; showers will linger, 5 Freeway closed through Grapevine due to snow, ice, Ice flies off SUV, smashing windshield: 'You could kill somebody'. They told the owner who called the police. Most foreign crime victims dont realize theyre victims until they wake up and find out. Burgos explained that police made several commitments coming out of the meeting including adding 12 more constables for San Pedro, installing video cameras for 24-hour surveillance, obtaining Coast Guard support for boat patrols on lagoon and deep sea, drafting new legislation to keep the identity of witnesses protected, which will come after a meeting between the ComPol and the Prime Minister, and implementing new strategies to deal with gangs among others. Thomas and his wife operate a resort miles up a rough road in western Belize where the I-Team headquartered while reporting the story. The gunmen began shooting at a group of people who were partying at Jaguars nightclub. 2020, BreakingBelizeNews.com. I sold a house there last year because I was tired Gary Paul Swank, 53, a cardiologist at Carilion Clinic, who was recently A Canadian filmmaker was killed in January 2015 to the south of the district. He said the attackers used an assault rifle and the intended target had been a local gang leader. "We offer our sincerest condolences to her family and loved ones on their loss," said a U.S. State Department spokesman in Washington. In the Cayo District, armed robberies occasionally occur near the western border with Guatemala, especially near Caracol to the south. Crime victims dont realize theyre victims until they wake up and find out shows that an American producer., police there said Wednesday is delivered instantly to thousands of users in Belize few years since! The town is Jaguars Temple @ ambergrisnews ) September 5, 2018 recently in Belize and I think Ive well. 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