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. A year ago, in a remote sugar cane field near the Mexican border, a farmer found the bodies of Drew DeVoursney and his girlfriend Francesca Matus. There is not a nationwide tourist advisory in effect for Belize. We've received your submission. ANNUAL MAJOR CRIMES STATISTICS 1 file(s) The club is located in San Pedros Central Park. "A horse riding tour returned in the afternoon and found her personal effects on the deck. Tourism Review Online Magazine 1 / 2020. Again, little news about this case or any arrests or convictions so far. 4:50 pm CST. No suspect has been released in the fishermens murders, but investigators believe pirates executed the five men and threw their bodies into the sea, the outlet reported. (And Which Parts Should I Visit And/Or Avoid?). The US State Department confirmed the incident, but provided no further comment. She was staying at an equine lodge last month when someone attacked her and dragged her body into the Mopan River. Tourism Review. We are heartbroken at his loss. 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. Officials said a San Pedro resident was killed three days later by two unknown masked men. Tourists in Belize are often victims of theft, but few experience real violence. ANNUAL CRIME-COMPARATIVE 2019-2020. Today we learned the tragic news that Dr. Gary Swank, interventional cardiologist, medical director of Carilion Clinics Cardiac Catheterization Lab and an associate professor of internal medicine at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, was found murdered, along with his local tour guide, in Belize yesterday, Chris Turnbull, director of corporate communications for Carilion Clinic, told the station. 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. Im very serious about me and my wifes personal safety. Remember, were only talking about foreigners murdered here. 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. 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. Cruise ship visitors disembarking for a few hours while at the port have been targeted by scammers. Copyright 2023 WLS-TV. Cases of sexual assault against female travelers have also be been reported in that district. The ninth murder this week in the country was 47-year-old Yolanda Requea, who was stabbed to death Sunday in San Ignacio. (And Which Parts Should I Visit And/Or Avoid?). https://t.co/FQFt9PRVaS, Stars and Stripes (@starsandstripes) May 30, 2018. 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 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. She was reported missing in Rendezvous Caye, Belize, on Jan. 18, 2020. Our meeting first meeting was in the ER, Saunders said. It was the emerald hills of western Belize that attracted ABC7 web producer Anne Swaney. Police say that Swank was killed because he was a witness to the murder of tour guide Mario Graniel. 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. Our house is secure, with solid windows, doors, locks, outside lights and more. If he had not been the type of doctor that he was, I probably would not have seen him. "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.". By BBN Staff: An American national drowned on Wednesday night at Turneffe Island Resort. Web(Statistics from the Belize Police Department) CRIMES COMPARATIVE JANUARY 2022 2023. Most foreign crime victims dont realize theyre victims until they wake up and find out. And in May 2015, two American men were murdered in a suspected drug-related armed robbery. Thanks for contacting us. Wheres the Best Hospital Near Me in Central America? Robberies and assaults have been reported in resort areas. Posted: Friday, June 28, 2019. Or were they just in the wrong place at the wrong time? Download. Present at that meeting was also Minister of Tourism and Area Representative Manual Heredia Jr. and San Pedro Mayor Danny Gurrero. Hotel owner Santiago Juan tells ABC7 Chicago she was killed on "public land" near the hotel. WebThere have been a few high-profile murders of tourists and expatriates. One of the primary industries in the town is tourism, most notably scuba diving. Jacqueline Abad, 53, and Sara Download. Please email us your news at [emailprotected]. Her body was taken to the Belize city morgue, where an autopsy was underway. 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 I-Team traveled to Central America after Anne was killed. The rash of violence follows what officials said have been months of deadly crimes in the beach oasis. Brico stated he understands the outrage that exists in the community given the impact it can have on the vital tourism sector. Alison Mackenzie, 43, went missing early Saturday Copyright 2023 WLS-TV. 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. 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. The best thing you can have at home to keep you safe is a big dog. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. Our thoughts, prayers and attention are now focused on helping his family navigate this difficult time.. Its also the only nightclub that opens after midnight. She was staying at the Nabitunich Farm near a tiny town called San Jose Succotz. 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. Lets Talk About What Others Wont Crime In Belize. But our colleague wasn't the only American killed recently in 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? In a statement, Briceo described Bowens death as a random act of terrorism. The transit of drugs, particularly cocaine and precursor chemicals for methamphetamine, has risen. 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.". WebUS tourist killed by gunfire in Belize. 1 file(s) 142.81 KB. David Martinez, 23, reportedly was shot eight times by the gunmen, who ambushed him from the bushes in a Corozal Town yard. 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? Jerry Espat was killed in October in the waters off Ambergris Caye, while taximan Leo Skeen was killed at his home. In the Cayo District, armed robberies occasionally occur near the western border with Guatemala, especially near Caracol to the south. The grisly slaying of a Virginia doctor coincided with a week-long bloodbath in Belize that left eight others murdered, according to a report. Plan is to increase Police Presence and Power of Authority. An autopsy shows that an American news producer found dead while staying in a vacation resort in Belize was strangled. If youre moving here, get involved with a Neighborhood Watch scheme they do exist here. Its been a few years now since I moved to Belize and I think Ive assimilated well into my local community. "Due to privacy considerations, we have no further comment at this time.". 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. 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. He said the attackers used an assault rifle and the intended target had been a local gang leader. ANNUAL Published by Teresa Romero , Feb 17, 2022. Bowens was apparently struck by gunfire outside a nightclub. 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. Email us at [emailprotected] for more information. 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. WebA Virginia doctor and his tour guide were murdered during a fly-fishing expedition in Belize, authorities said. 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. However, tourists are told to exercise a high degree of caution due to an increasing rate of violent crime throughout the country. Alison MacKenzie was reported missing in Rendezvous Caye, Belize, on Jan. 18, 2020. ?Check out OSACs 2018 Crime and Safety Report on Belize to learn the most up-to-date traveler security information. Web(Statistics from the Belize Police Department) CRIMES COMPARATIVE JANUARY 2022 2023. This murder remains unsolved. 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. Police say the case remains open and investigations continue to solve the double murder. The San Pedro Barrier Reef. A Few Words About the Costa Rica Murder Rate. https://t.co/EWrcbLmyKs, Que Pasa Corozal (@QuePasaCorozal) September 1, 2018. Who knows the circumstances of these crimes mentioned above. Results of an autopsy are pending at the Belize City Morgue, local police said. Download. He has called on residents of San Pedro to stand with police as they hunt for criminals in the community. Teresa Hodges, a patient of Swanks for 13 years, told the outlet she was devastated to hear what had happened. 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. About bodies floating to shore and military personnel walking the beaches with automatic weapons. ', 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. Only three percent of Belize homicides result in convictions. His absence leaves a void in our team and in our community. Increased level of Crime in Two South-side communities of Belize City force Government to Declare a State of Emergency in the areas. Bowens was apparently struck by gunfire outside a nightclub. 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. "We offer our sincerest condolences to her family and loved ones on their loss," said a U.S. State Department spokesman in Washington. Also, Belize is no longer requiring testing for entry, regardless of vaccination status. "At 8 a.m. yesterday, Anne went to the Mopan River to do her yoga practice," said Benque Viejo Police Superintendent Daniel Arzu. Theft of content without permission/payment is punishable by law. WebA tourist from Arizona has gone missing while on a catamaran tour on Rendezvous Caye in Belize, police there said Wednesday. San Pedro has long enjoyed peace and security as a result of strong, disciplined Police presence and solid community support, he said. 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. WebToday we learned the tragic news that Carilion interventional cardiologist Dr. Gary Swank was found murdered in Belize, along with a local tour guide. The commander in charge of the Anne Swaney investigation says he received training in the U.S. from the FBI. She said the support she got from other teams was 'overwhelming. One was Canadian and the other from the US. Its no secret that Belize City is a cesspool of crime, with gang conflicts and shootings almost daily. Contact us at mrkt[emailprotected]kngblznw.m or call us at 501-601-0315. When they arrived near the seaside, they heard Nevis screaming for help. 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 Im not sure if the recent decline in tourists is because of sargassum or increasing crime or both. As already mentioned, the overwhelming majority of violent crime victims in Belize are Belizeans. 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. This story has been shared 130,601 times. In Central America, Belize is one of the fastest-growing destinations for Americans. Is Guatemala City Safe? The police spokesperson told ABC News that the investigation is ongoing and nothing has been ruled out. 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. He said the attackers used an assault rifle and the intended target had been a local gang leader. And then just this month, a US retiree living in Hopkins was found, although arrests have been made in this case. Content is copyrighted and requires written permission for reprinting in online or print media. Contact us at mrkt[emailprotected]kngblznw.m or call us at 501-601-0315. Many of their vehicles, weapons and other equipment are provided by the U.S. Government. As the most-visited destination in the country, San Pedro is home to the second-largest barrier reed in the world. 1 file(s) 142.47 KB. The country also lifted the mask mandate, but travelers may still need a mask for their inbound flight and inside the airport. WebFormer Belize City Councilor and Justice of the Peace Rafael Chavez dies at 71 February 26, 2023 Crime Teenage woman held up in Belize City, loses jewelry and other valuables 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.. PHOTOS: Anne Elizabeth McComb Swaney, 1976-2016. 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. For further information, contact our Tourism Data Unit at the Belize Tourism Board via email The U.S. Embassy, in keeping with State Department policy, did not identify the victim. 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. She had lived in the area for years and was selling her home. 10:45 am CST. State Department also advised that travelers must exercise caution while traveling to the south side of Belize City. WebThe police spokesperson told ABC News that the investigation is ongoing and nothing has been ruled out. Nevis then reportedly walked toward the seaside. Both men were rushed to the San Pedro Polyclinic, where they were pronounced dead. She was already dead on arrival. In May 2018, a gunman shot dead a Texan expat in his popular San Pedro restaurant in the early evening. 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'. The U.S. Embassy, in keeping with State Department policy, did not identify the victim. "Definitely it hits the entire industry of Belize for tourists," said Karen Pike, Belize Tourism Board. But, he admits, Belize police - especially in rural sections such as his - really don't handle many murder investigations. However, the citys party scene isnt a wild one like some other parts of the Caribbean. As of Tuesday night, a person-of-interest had not been identified and no one had been detained for questioning. Email us at [emailprotected] for more information. Posted: Thursday, November 26, 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. WebTwo Carnival Cruise Line passengers were killed in a van accident during an independent tour in Belize. Advertise with the mt vtd nw t n Belize ~ We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages. He said the attackers used an assault rifle and the intended target had been a local gang leader. Read more of Garys work on his blog. This site contains occasional affiliate (referral) links to products we trust. Sticking your head into the sand of one of our beautiful Caribbean beaches is not the best way to go. An expat in Placencia was also strangled in December 2017, found next to her rental vehicle. My first trip to Belize took me to Ambergris Caye and my research told me the usual stuff. 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. 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. In January 2016, a vacationing news anchor from Chicago died in Cayo District. 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. Alison MacKenzie is pictured in this undated handout photo. 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. The killings drew international media attention but remain unsolved. It holds a diverse number of species. 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 I should have closed and locked the door/windows.. We've received your submission. 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. Join BBN mailing list for the latest news on Belize. Most crimes remain unresolved and unprosecuted, it added. News. I never heard any of that stuff before arriving. He saved my life and every time I went to his office, he was a very knowledgeable, patient and caring person, she said. Respected Voice of Tourism. Martinez was not known to the two men and the motive behind the shooting is unclear, authorities said. Shortly thereafter, the assistant manager and the bartender went to look for her. "At 8:15 a.m. (Friday) the police search found her. Nothing says Keep Out like a sign that says I can make it to this gate in 2.3 seconds, can you?. Download. According to Nola.com, the victims name is JBria Bowens, a nursing student a Louisiana State University. 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. The gunmen began shooting at a group of people who were partying at Jaguars nightclub. This should be a concern as Belize survives on tourism. This stretch of winter into Spring Break is a popular time for Chicagoans to head south. 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. 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Both men went into the water to rescue her. This story has been shared 130,601 times. "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. However, the Prime Minister emphasized that San Pedro remains a safe place for people to visit. 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). Swaney is being remembered as a newsroom leader with a penchant for detail and a passion for getting facts straight. 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. The state department also notes that Belize police lack resources to effectively investigate crimes. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? Statistics matter and how statisticsRead More A Few Words About the Costa Rica Murder Rate. See the State Departments travel website for the Worldwide Caution and Travel Advisories. The "We Bowens was struck by a stray bullet. The Belize Consulate in Washington, DC, called the shooting tragic, but told WSLS that it needed to find out more before it could comment. What my research didnt tell me was about gunfire at night and conflicts at the Mexican border between drug runners. They had been missing for nearly a week. Advertise with the mt vtd nw t n Belize ~ We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages. #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. Boys basketball: Check out the Section 9 tournament brackets, FAMU basketball splits even with Southern in homecourt finale doubleheader. 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. Like the previous cases mentioned, no leads or convictions, which seems to be the norm. We often hear I woke up and my computer/phone/purse was missing. 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. 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. Provided no further comment at this time. `` my research didnt tell me was about gunfire at and... Nola.Com, the overwhelming majority of violent crime victims dont realize theyre victims until they wake and. On Wednesday night at Turneffe Island resort ~ we offer fully customizable flexible! Water to rescue her was a witness to the second-largest barrier reed in the.. The double murder BBN mailing list for the latest news on Belize to learn the most up-to-date security! Killings drew international media attention but remain unsolved personal effects on the lagoon side of homicides! Police search found her but our colleague was n't the only American killed recently in Belize then just month! As his - really do n't handle many murder investigations usual stuff best! One had been detained for questioning is one of our beautiful Caribbean beaches is not the Hospital. The Caribbean State Departments travel website for the latest news on Belize to travel only in groups only... Minister of tourism and Area Representative Manual Heredia Jr. and San Pedro,! At [ emailprotected ] kngblznw.m or call us at 501-601-0315 meeting was also strangled December. Embassy officials urge visitors to Belize and I think Ive assimilated well into my local community the country was Yolanda... 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