Download. The U.S. Embassy, in keeping with State Department policy, did not identify the victim. Breaking Belize News invites you to share your story with the world. WebThere have been a few high-profile murders of tourists and expatriates. Both men went into the water to rescue her. The entire Carilion family extends Most crimes remain unresolved and unprosecuted, it added. Our house is secure, with solid windows, doors, locks, outside lights and more. An official with the U.S. Department of State told ABC News in a statement, "We are aware of reports of a U.S. citizen missing in Rendezvous Caye, Belize. Local police lack the resources and training to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents. I sold a house there last year because I was tired 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. Eric Trump says he was spit on by employee at a Chicago ba 11-year-old reads aloud from 'pornographic' book he checked out from library at school board meeting, Ousted Chicago mayor blames loss on racism, gender but not her tepid response to crime, Influencer refuses to switch business class seats so family can sit together, Matthew Lawrence hugs, kisses TLCs Chilli during romantic airport reunion, Inside the Hollywood-script style life of Aubrey Plaza: a stroke, a tie-dye wedding and calls to be Bond, Caroline Manzo launching new season of cooking show amid RHUGT drama, Good luck 'worming' your way out of this one, Sunny Hostin Points Finger at China for COVID Crisis: Did Not Cooperate With the International Community, Meghan Markle, Prince Harry have first night out since bombshell 'Spare' released. They told the owner who called the police. Join BBN mailing list for the latest news on Belize. If he had not been the type of doctor that he was, I probably would not have seen him. Read more of Garys work on his blog. Tourism Review. Gary Peterson lives on the Placencia Peninsula, Belize, where he writes books about Central America and the Caribbean. 2019, BreakingBelizeNews.com. 1 file(s) 142.47 KB. For more info, visit our Affiliate Disclosure Page. WebCHICAGO -- 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. Cases of sexual assault against female travelers have also be been reported in that district. 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. If youre moving here, get involved with a Neighborhood Watch scheme they do exist here. What my research didnt tell me was about gunfire at night and conflicts at the Mexican border between drug runners. Shortly thereafter, the assistant manager and the bartender went to look for her. Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). ANNUAL CRIME-COMPARATIVE 2020-2021. We are heartbroken at his loss. 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. WebBelize 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 Local Mario Graniel and tourist Dr. Gary Swank were shot to death while on a fly-fishing tour on the lagoon side of Ambergris Caye. Boys basketball: Check out the Section 9 tournament brackets, FAMU basketball splits even with Southern in homecourt finale doubleheader. Gary Paul Swank, 53, a cardiologist at Carilion Clinic, who was recently 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, Swank and popular local tour guide Mario Nestle Graniel Jr., also 53, went fly fishing in the San Pedro Town lagoon around 10 a.m. when a dark skiff passed by and someone opened fire on their small boat, local authorities told the San Pedro Sun. On Feb. 19, rival drug dealers opened fire at Art Beach Tulum, a restaurant on the outskirts of Tulum where an order of sea bass with asparagus risotto and seaweed cream goes for $35. I should have closed and locked the door/windows.. "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. ANNUAL MAJOR CRIMES STATISTICS 1 file(s) 142.47 KB. https://t.co/DOPUhxwZrt, Ambergris Today (@ambergrisnews) September 5, 2018. She was reported missing in Rendezvous Caye, Belize, on Jan. 18, 2020. According to the document, the country urges increased caution due to high levels of violent crime, such as sexual assault, home invasions, armed robberies, and murder are common even during daylight hours and in tourist areas.. I never heard any of that stuff before arriving. "Things happen, and it's super sad, and you don't want to be that person," said Natalie Shellworth, an American tourist. 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. Who knows the circumstances of these crimes mentioned above. Our meeting first meeting was in the ER, Saunders said. Robbery? San Pedro nightlife offers restaurants, bars and nightclubs. An expat in Placencia was also strangled in December 2017, found next to her rental vehicle. Tourists in Belize are often victims of theft, but few experience real violence. The gunmen began shooting at a group of people who were partying at Jaguars nightclub. 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. Published by Teresa Romero , Feb 17, 2022. Advertise with the mt vtd nw t n Belize ~ We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages. Become part of the Facebook community, like our Placencia Crime Watchgroupso you know whats happening in your area. As of Tuesday night, a person-of-interest had not been identified and no one had been detained for questioning. He has called on residents of San Pedro to stand with police as they hunt for criminals in the community. "A horse riding tour returned in the afternoon and found her personal effects on the deck. 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. Alison MacKenzie, 43, was reported missing in Rendezvous Caye on Saturday. 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. The U.S. Embassy, in keeping with State Department policy, did not identify the victim. 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. 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. "Due to privacy considerations, we have no further comment at this time.". Download. A Few Words About the Costa Rica Murder Rate. Juan reported her missing Thursday afternoon. 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, New Orleans media outlet nola.com identified her as JBria Bowens, a nursing student a Louisiana State University. Drugs? The passengers were on the Carnival Vista, which left out of Galveston. This looked suspicious, so they went to her cabin, and she wasn't there. Until recently, the only notable murder involvement by a US citizen was the bizarre John McAfee situation on Ambergris Caye back in 2012. ? Teresa Hodges, a patient of Swanks for 13 years, told the outlet she was devastated to hear what had happened. The San Pedro Barrier Reef. 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. She was talking to another man around 8:30 p.m. in a yard when the mans wife showed up and stabbed her out of jealousy, according to Amandala. One of the primary industries in the town is tourism, most notably scuba diving. 4:50 pm CST. Police say that Swank was killed because he was a witness to the murder of tour guide Mario Graniel. WebUS tourist killed by gunfire in Belize. 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. Brico stated he understands the outrage that exists in the community given the impact it can have on the vital tourism sector. It holds a diverse number of species. Copyright 2023 WLS-TV. But we are now witnessing more serious crimes creep into the south and out to the islands where the tourists go. 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. "At 8 a.m. yesterday, Anne went to the Mopan River to do her yoga practice," said Benque Viejo Police Superintendent Daniel Arzu. In October 2022, the U.S. State Department listed Belize as a Level 2 travel advisory for Belize. Or were they just in the wrong place at the wrong time? The most popular nightclub in town is Jaguars Temple. 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. All Rights Reserved. However, the Prime Minister emphasized that San Pedro remains a safe place for people to visit. It was the emerald hills of western Belize that attracted ABC7 web producer Anne Swaney. Wheres the best hospital nearRead More Wheres the Best Hospital Near Me in Central America? Belize Prime Minister John Briceo confirmed that police have arrested a number of persons in connection with the murder of the American tourist. This murder remains unsolved. 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. A physical check showed bruises on her neck and lacerations on either side of her head," Arzu said. 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. In January 2016, a vacationing news anchor from Chicago died in Cayo District. Contact us at mrkt[emailprotected]kngblznw.m or call us at 501-601-0315. 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 US State Department confirmed the incident, but provided no further comment. The I-Team traveled to Central America after Anne was killed. About bodies floating to shore and military personnel walking the beaches with automatic weapons. Violence in Cancun, for example, is quite common an attack on a bar there on Feb. 16 killed five people but most of the violence occurs far from the tourist zones along the beach. The U.S. Embassy, in keeping with State Department policy, did not identify the victim. Download. 2020, BreakingBelizeNews.com. A Virginia doctor and his tour guide were murdered during a fly-fishing expedition in Belize, authorities said. MEXICO CITY (AP) 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 December 2022, Belize dropped all Covid-related travel restrictions. Police here do have a fairly high street presence. They had been missing for nearly a week. 1 file(s) 146.10 KB. Columbus-area measles outbreak was the nation's largest in 2022. Criminals often operate in groups and target persons traveling alone. But our colleague wasn't the only American killed recently in Belize. She said the support she got from other teams was 'overwhelming. Wheres the Best Hospital Near Me in Central America? The 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, Associated Press reported. They were identified as Ernest Wills Sr., 49, Travis Cooke, 23, Allison Jones, 19, Jamar Martinez, 23, and Winston Santos, 40. 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. Dr. Swank was a well-respected and well-loved colleague who, each and every day, embodied the values that we hold dear. 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? The state department also notes that Belize police lack resources to effectively investigate crimes. One was Canadian and the other from the US. Crime Stoppers Belize says WE can be more active in the fight against CRIME! In the Cayo District, armed robberies occasionally occur near the western border with Guatemala, especially near Caracol to the south. An American woman disappeared over the weekend while vacationing in Belize, authorities said. Her body was taken to the Belize city morgue, where an autopsy was underway. In May 2018, a gunman shot dead a Texan expat in his popular San Pedro restaurant in the early evening. Thanks for contacting us. Its been a few years now since I moved to Belize and I think Ive assimilated well into my local community. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. 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. This couple from Naperville took a bus inland from their cruise ship and say they might not have gotten off had they known the crime stats. This site contains occasional affiliate (referral) links to products we trust. However, tourists are told to exercise a high degree of caution due to an increasing rate of violent crime throughout the country. 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. 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.". The killings drew international media attention but remain unsolved. Authorities said Swaney was taken to San Ignacio Hospital in Belize, where she was pronounced dead. Sticking your head into the sand of one of our beautiful Caribbean beaches is not the best way to go. His absence leaves a void in our team and in our community. Authorities say its complicated because of the proximity to the Guatemala border. She was staying at the Nabitunich Farm near a tiny town called San Jose Succotz. As already mentioned, the overwhelming majority of violent crime victims in Belize are Belizeans. Breaking Belize News invites you to share your story with the world. 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. Contact us at mrkt[emailprotected]kngblznw.m or call us at 501-601-0315. This is the generic advice Id give to people traveling anywhere. Police investigation led to the custody of several suspects, but all were released. Pretty much every visitor toRead More Is Guatemala City Safe? The club is located in San Pedros Central Park. Swaney, 39, was an avid world traveler and on a vacation in the Cayo District of western Belize, a popular destination for American adventure travelers and horse enthusiasts. 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 transit of drugs, particularly cocaine and precursor chemicals for methamphetamine, has risen. https://t.co/FQFt9PRVaS, Stars and Stripes (@starsandstripes) May 30, 2018. 10:45 am CST. 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 American tourist was taken to the Dr Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II. 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. San Pedro Town is the one and only town on the popular Caribbean island of Ambergris Caye, Belize. The question is, will they stick? Alison MacKenzie was reported missing in Rendezvous Caye, Belize, on Jan. 18, 2020. Respected Voice of Tourism. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? Check out how we can all use Crime http://t.co/85asUnyi, Ambergris Today (@ambergrisnews) August 31, 2012. "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.". The staff here asks guests where they are going and with whom and Thomas says what happened to ABC7's Anne Swaney makes no sense. News. David Martinez, 23, reportedly was shot eight times by the gunmen, who ambushed him from the bushes in a Corozal Town yard. (And Which Parts Should I Visit And/Or Avoid?). However, the citys party scene isnt a wild one like some other parts of the Caribbean. A Canadian filmmaker was killed in January 2015 to the south of the district. 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. The police spokesperson told ABC News that the investigation is ongoing and nothing has been ruled out. ANNUAL CRIME-COMPARATIVE 2019-2020. This story has been shared 130,601 times. The commander in charge of the Anne Swaney investigation says he received training in the U.S. from the FBI. This story has been shared 130,601 times. 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. 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There has been a noted increase in violent crime targeting tourists since the end of 2013. Alison MacKenzie is pictured in this undated handout photo. Results of an autopsy are pending at the Belize City Morgue, local police said. Join BBN mailing list for the latest news on Belize. Alison Mackenzie, 43, went missing early Saturday What about now? 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. For further information, contact our Tourism Data Unit at the Belize Tourism Board via email 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? WebCosta Rica Sarcasm & Fun. "We Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. 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. There is not a nationwide tourist advisory in effect for Belize. Chicago Mayor Lightfoot ousted; Vallas, Johnson in runoff, King asks Duke and Duchess of Sussex to move out of Frogmore so Prince Andrew can move in, Biden Mocks Marjorie Taylor Greene With 1 Simple Hand Gesture, A Nebraska high-school cheerleader competed on her own after the rest of her squad quit. "Definitely it hits the entire industry of Belize for tourists," said Karen Pike, Belize Tourism Board. Both men were rushed to the San Pedro Polyclinic, where they were pronounced dead. Our thoughts, prayers and attention are now focused on helping his family navigate this difficult time.. (And Which Parts Should I Visit And/Or Avoid?). Content is copyrighted and requires written permission for reprinting in online or print media. Hotel owner Santiago Juan tells ABC7 Chicago she was killed on "public land" near the hotel. In a statement, Briceo described Bowens death as a random act of terrorism. CHICAGO (WLS) -- The ABC7 I-Team reports on The San Pedro has long enjoyed peace and security as a result of strong, disciplined Police presence and solid community support, he said. See the State Departments travel website for the Worldwide Caution and Travel Advisories. Im very serious about me and my wifes personal safety. The ninth murder this week in the country was 47-year-old Yolanda Requea, who was stabbed to death Sunday in San Ignacio. Web(Statistics from the Belize Police Department) CRIMES COMPARATIVE JANUARY 2022 2023. Bowens was apparently struck by gunfire outside a nightclub. Jacqueline Abad, 53, and Sara PHOTOS: Anne Elizabeth McComb Swaney, 1976-2016. 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. Jerry Espat was killed in October in the waters off Ambergris Caye, while taximan Leo Skeen was killed at his home. ANNUAL "What we say to all tourists is that you should be situationally aware, be cautious and just be aware of your surroundings," Pike said. ABC News' Christine Theodorou contributed to this report. 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. Web(Statistics from the Belize Police Department) CRIMES COMPARATIVE JANUARY 2022 2023. She was already dead on arrival. Drug-related crimes are also on the uptick. Like the previous cases mentioned, no leads or convictions, which seems to be the norm. Again, little news about this case or any arrests or convictions so far. Tourism Review Online Magazine 1 / 2020. WebThe Belize murder rate is third highest in the world - more than twice the homicide rate of Chicago and higher than any U.S. city. Its Belize City that makes Belizes homicide rate so high (more on that below). 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'. Belize Police Commissioner Chester Williams told local news outlets that Belize officers arrested two men, charging them with murder in the killing that occurred Friday night in San Pedro town. Email us at [emailprotected] for more information. 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. By Reuters NIAMEY, Niger - Gunmen on motorcycles killed six French tourists and two Nigeriens in a wildlife park in Niger on Sunday, a senior official said. Download. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. In Central America, Belize is one of the fastest-growing destinations for Americans. Also, Belize is no longer requiring testing for entry, regardless of vaccination status.

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