Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? As of Tuesday night, a person-of-interest had not been identified and no Dont look wealthy, dont flash cash, dont get too drunk, and so on. An American woman disappeared over the weekend while vacationing in Belize, authorities said. As already mentioned, the overwhelming majority of violent crime victims in Belize are Belizeans. Please email us your news at [emailprotected]. PHOTOS: Anne Elizabeth McComb Swaney, 1976-2016. 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. News. For more info, visit our Affiliate Disclosure Page. https://t.co/FQFt9PRVaS, Stars and Stripes (@starsandstripes) May 30, 2018. https://t.co/DOPUhxwZrt, Ambergris Today (@ambergrisnews) September 5, 2018. Remember, were only talking about foreigners murdered here. "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 US State Department confirmed the incident, but provided no further comment. Who knows the circumstances of these crimes mentioned above. Copyright 2023 WLS-TV. Nothing says Keep Out like a sign that says I can make it to this gate in 2.3 seconds, can you?. In a statement, Briceo described Bowens death as a random act of terrorism. The U.S. Embassy, in keeping with State Department policy, did not identify the victim. Wheres the best hospital nearRead More Wheres the Best Hospital Near Me in Central America? An expat in Placencia was also strangled in December 2017, found next to her rental vehicle. The best thing you can have at home to keep you safe is a big dog. In May 2018, a gunman shot dead a Texan expat in his popular San Pedro restaurant in the early evening. If he had not been the type of doctor that he was, I probably would not have seen him. 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. There's no need to be concerned about safety on commercial flights. Please email us your news at [emailprotected]. WebA Virginia doctor and his tour guide were murdered during a fly-fishing expedition in Belize, authorities said. One was Canadian and the other from the US. 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 Thanks for contacting us. 10:45 am CST. The However, the Prime Minister emphasized that San Pedro remains a safe place for people to visit. The most popular nightclub in town is Jaguars Temple. It holds a diverse number of species. Read it here: https://t.co/crTR6zsohu. Join BBN mailing list for the latest news on Belize. 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. Drug-related crimes are also on the uptick. All Rights Reserved. Bowens was apparently struck by gunfire outside a nightclub. WebToday we learned the tragic news that Carilion interventional cardiologist Dr. Gary Swank was found murdered in Belize, along with a local tour guide. "A horse riding tour returned in the afternoon and found her personal effects on the deck. But, he admits, Belize police - especially in rural sections such as his - really don't handle many murder investigations. Plan is to increase Police Presence and Power of Authority. As of Tuesday night, a person-of-interest had not been identified and no one had been detained for questioning. 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, 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. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? Increased level of Crime in Two South-side communities of Belize City force Government to Declare a State of Emergency in the areas. My first trip to Belize took me to Ambergris Caye and my research told me the usual stuff. 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. 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.. Most crimes remain unresolved and unprosecuted, it added. 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. Read more of Garys work on his blog. Crime is an issue which should never be made political, its a problem that requires all sectors of society to fight it together.. However, New Orleans media outlet nola.com identified her as JBria Bowens, a nursing student a Louisiana State University. 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. WebThe overwhelming majority of violent crime victims in Belize are Belizeans themselves, but recent years have seen an increase in these types of crimes against tourists and expats. Nevis then reportedly walked toward the seaside. 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. 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. He has called on residents of San Pedro to stand with police as they hunt for criminals in the community. Jacqueline Abad, 53, and Sara We've received your submission. Our house is secure, with solid windows, doors, locks, outside lights and more. 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. Alison MacKenzie, 43, was reported missing in Rendezvous Caye on Saturday. Statistics matter and how statisticsRead More A Few Words About the Costa Rica Murder Rate. WebUS tourist killed by gunfire in Belize. Posted: Thursday, November 26, 2020. To date, there has been little released about this double murder or any hope of solving it. She apparently had planned to go on a horseback expedition Thursday morning, but when the group came up one animal short, Swaney stayed behind. In Central America, Belize is one of the fastest-growing destinations for Americans. Tourism Review Online Magazine 1 / 2020. Breaking Belize News invites you to share your story with the world. pic.twitter.com/94qBPRi2F4, Belize.com (@Belizean) December 31, 2022. A Canadian filmmaker was killed in January 2015 to the south of the district. 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. Bowens was apparently struck by gunfire outside a 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. Police teams resumed searching Friday morning. Thomas and his wife operate a resort miles up a rough road in western Belize where the I-Team headquartered while reporting the story. 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. However, tourists are told to exercise a high degree of caution due to an increasing rate of violent crime throughout the country. Posted: Friday, June 28, 2019. 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. We are heartbroken at his loss. Most foreign crime victims dont realize theyre victims until they wake up and find out. Alison MacKenzie was reported missing in Rendezvous Caye, Belize, on Jan. 18, 2020. The U.S. Embassy, in keeping with State Department policy, did not identify the victim. He said the attackers used an assault rifle and the intended target had been a local gang leader. Belize was included on the FY12, 13 and 14 U.S. Majors List of illegal narcotic producing and/or transit countries. 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. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. Columbus-area measles outbreak was the nation's largest in 2022. Briceo has directed Police Commissioner Chester Williams to lead the investigation into her death. 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. In October 2022, the U.S. State Department listed Belize as a Level 2 travel advisory for Belize. It was the emerald hills of western Belize that attracted ABC7 web producer Anne Swaney. In December 2022, Belize dropped all Covid-related travel restrictions. They had been missing for nearly a week. Both men went into the water to rescue her. WebThe police spokesperson told ABC News that the investigation is ongoing and nothing has been ruled out. 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. 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.. The American tourist was taken to the Dr Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II. Brico stated he understands the outrage that exists in the community given the impact it can have on the vital tourism sector. This stretch of winter into Spring Break is a popular time for Chicagoans to head south. We've received your submission. 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. 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. 1 file(s) 146.10 KB. My fear is, at some point, occupants will confront a suspect who enters a property and itll get violent. But since 2016 several foreigners have been murdered in Belize. Pretty much every visitor toRead More Is Guatemala City Safe? "Definitely it hits the entire industry of Belize for tourists," said Karen Pike, Belize Tourism Board. Sticking your head into the sand of one of our beautiful Caribbean beaches is not the best way to go. Email us at [emailprotected] for more information. The entire Carilion family extends Authorities say its complicated because of the proximity to the Guatemala border. Your content is delivered instantly to thousands of users in Belize and abroad! This looked suspicious, so they went to her cabin, and she wasn't there. But our colleague wasn't the only American killed recently in Belize. According to Nola.com, the victims name is JBria Bowens, a nursing student a Louisiana State University. The gunmen began shooting at a group of people who were partying at Jaguars nightclub. Its no secret that Belize City is a cesspool of crime, with gang conflicts and shootings almost daily. 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 Robberies and assaults have been reported in resort areas. 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. 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. Its Belize City that makes Belizes homicide rate so high (more on that below). "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. (And Which Parts Should I Visit And/Or Avoid?). Teresa Hodges, a patient of Swanks for 13 years, told the outlet she was devastated to hear what had happened. 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. They were identified as Ernest Wills Sr., 49, Travis Cooke, 23, Allison Jones, 19, Jamar Martinez, 23, and Winston Santos, 40. 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. "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. If youre moving here, get involved with a Neighborhood Watch scheme they do exist here. This murder remains unsolved. 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. 1 file(s) 142.47 KB. Business dealings? Become part of the Facebook community, like our Placencia Crime Watchgroupso you know whats happening in your area. 2020, BreakingBelizeNews.com. The state department also notes that Belize police lack resources to effectively investigate crimes. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Drugs? 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved, Denver boy, 8, suffers horrific injuries in fall from horse during Belize vacation, Tropical Storm Lisa expected to become season's next hurricane as it approaches Central America, 'Godfather' director Francis Ford Coppola's island lists for $2.2M, Shark surprise: Mysterious Arctic species found lurking in Caribbean. When you include them with the total number of murders (142 in 2017) in a country with the population of Tampa, Florida, you have one of the highest homicide rates in the world. Email us at [emailprotected] for more information. The I-Team traveled to Central America after Anne was killed. ANNUAL MAJOR CRIMES STATISTICS 1 file(s) 142.47 KB. I should have closed and locked the door/windows.. 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, Theft of content without permission/payment is punishable by law. 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. 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. #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. "Due to privacy considerations, we have no further comment at this time.". Your content is delivered instantly to thousands of users in Belize and abroad! When they arrived near the seaside, they heard Nevis screaming for help. Swanks colleagues and patients grieved the sudden loss of a seasoned, caring doctor. There is not a nationwide tourist advisory in effect for Belize. Copyright 2023 WLS-TV. In January 2014, two American citizens were kidnapped at gunpoint from a resort area near the western border with Guatemala. 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. 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. He said the attackers used an assault rifle and the intended target had been a local gang leader. There has been a noted increase in violent crime targeting tourists since the end of 2013. Juan reported her missing Thursday afternoon. Boys basketball: Check out the Section 9 tournament brackets, FAMU basketball splits even with Southern in homecourt finale doubleheader. A Virginia doctor and his tour guide were murdered during a fly-fishing expedition in Belize, authorities said. Check out how we can all use Crime http://t.co/85asUnyi, Ambergris Today (@ambergrisnews) August 31, 2012. A physical check showed bruises on her neck and lacerations on either side of her head," Arzu said. Respected Voice of Tourism. ? 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 We often hear I woke up and my computer/phone/purse was missing. She was staying at the Nabitunich Farm near a tiny town called San Jose Succotz. "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. 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. Results of an autopsy are pending at the Belize City Morgue, local police said. Its been a few years now since I moved to Belize and I think Ive assimilated well into my local community. The rash of violence follows what officials said have been months of deadly crimes in the beach oasis. Her body was taken to the Belize city morgue, where an autopsy was underway. She was reported missing in Rendezvous Caye, Belize, on Jan. 18, 2020. 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. 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Web(Statistics from the Belize Police Department) CRIMES COMPARATIVE JANUARY 2022 2023. 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? Swaney is being remembered as a newsroom leader with a penchant for detail and a passion for getting facts straight. Martinez was not known to the two men and the motive behind the shooting is unclear, authorities said. Tourists in Belize are often victims of theft, but few experience real violence. 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. 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.". "What we say to all tourists is that you should be situationally aware, be cautious and just be aware of your surroundings," Pike said. Im very serious about me and my wifes personal safety. U.S. Embassy officials urge visitors to Belize to travel only in groups, only during the day; avoid wearing jewelry or carrying valuables. ABC News' Christine Theodorou contributed to this report. Again, little news about this case or any arrests or convictions so far. Download. See the State Departments travel website for the Worldwide Caution and Travel Advisories. Gary Peterson lives on the Placencia Peninsula, Belize, where he writes books about Central America and the Caribbean. However, New Orleans media outlet nola.com identified her as JBria Bowens, a nursing student a Louisiana State University. One of the primary industries in the town is tourism, most notably scuba diving. "At 8:15 a.m. (Friday) the police search found her. 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. They told the owner who called the police. The passengers were on the Carnival Vista, which left out of Galveston. Alison Mackenzie, 43, went missing early Saturday Published by Teresa Romero , Feb 17, 2022. But I heard all these stories on Ambergris Caye and my protective nature kicked my alertness up two notches while I was there. Police say that Swank was killed because he was a witness to the murder of tour guide Mario Graniel. The man, a Guatemalan national, maintains he was just fishing and was not involved in her death, police said. (And Which Parts Should I Visit And/Or Avoid?). This story has been shared 130,601 times. He saved my life and every time I went to his office, he was a very knowledgeable, patient and caring person, she said. She was already dead on arrival. Download. In January 2016, a vacationing news anchor from Chicago died in Cayo District. 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. Until recently, the only notable murder involvement by a US citizen was the bizarre John McAfee situation on Ambergris Caye back in 2012. The country also lifted the mask mandate, but travelers may still need a mask for their inbound flight and inside the airport. Bowens was struck by a stray bullet. Advertise with the mt vtd nw t n Belize ~ We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages. Or were they just in the wrong place at the wrong time? ', 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. 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. Its also the only nightclub that opens after midnight. 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. ANNUAL CRIME-COMPARATIVE 2020-2021. They do exist here Chicagoans to head south several foreigners have been tourist killed in belize 2020 of crimes. 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