Increased level of Crime in Two South-side communities of Belize City force Government to Declare a State of Emergency in the areas. What about now? ", "Whenever a U.S. citizen is missing, we work closely with local authorities as they carry out their search efforts, and we share information with their family however we can," the official said. Read it here: https://t.co/crTR6zsohu. This is the generic advice Id give to people traveling anywhere. He said the attackers used an assault rifle and the intended target had been a local gang leader. This site contains occasional affiliate (referral) links to products we trust. The gunmen began shooting at a group of people who were partying at Jaguars nightclub. When they arrived near the seaside, they heard Nevis screaming for help. But, he admits, Belize police - especially in rural sections such as his - really don't handle many murder investigations. Crime Stoppers Belize says WE can be more active in the fight against CRIME! "Things happen, and it's super sad, and you don't want to be that person," said Natalie Shellworth, an American tourist. Content is copyrighted and requires written permission for reprinting in online or print media. My fear is, at some point, occupants will confront a suspect who enters a property and itll get violent. 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. I would argue you should exercise caution no matter where in the world you travel. Authorities say its complicated because of the proximity to the Guatemala border. 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'. 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. To date, there has been little released about this double murder or any hope of solving it. Police say the case remains open and investigations continue to solve the double murder. Teresa Hodges, a patient of Swanks for 13 years, told the outlet she was devastated to hear what had happened. pic.twitter.com/94qBPRi2F4, Belize.com (@Belizean) December 31, 2022. Breaking Belize News invites you to share your story with the world. Download. Bowens was apparently struck by gunfire outside a nightclub. 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. In Central America, Belize is one of the fastest-growing destinations for Americans. 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 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. Also, Belize is no longer requiring testing for entry, regardless of vaccination status. 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. Gary Peterson lives on the Placencia Peninsula, Belize, where he writes books about Central America and the Caribbean. Copyright 2023 WLS-TV. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? Its Belize City that makes Belizes homicide rate so high (more on that below). Download. Thomas and his wife operate a resort miles up a rough road in western Belize where the I-Team headquartered while reporting the story. By BBN Staff: An American national drowned on Wednesday night at Turneffe Island Resort. In a statement, Briceo described Bowens death as a random act of terrorism. 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. 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 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. Swanks colleagues and patients grieved the sudden loss of a seasoned, caring doctor. ANNUAL MAJOR CRIMES STATISTICS 1 file(s) 142.47 KB. PHOTOS: Anne Elizabeth McComb Swaney, 1976-2016. But since 2016 several foreigners have been murdered in Belize. San Pedro nightlife offers restaurants, bars and nightclubs. 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. It holds a diverse number of species. 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. Content is copyrighted and requires written permission for reprinting in online or print media. 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. 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.. (And Which Parts Should I Visit And/Or Avoid?). 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. In January 2016, a vacationing news anchor from Chicago died in Cayo District. "Definitely it hits the entire industry of Belize for tourists," said Karen Pike, Belize Tourism Board. Its been a few years now since I moved to Belize and I think Ive assimilated well into my local community. San Pedro has long enjoyed peace and security as a result of strong, disciplined Police presence and solid community support, he said. 1 file(s) 146.10 KB. ANNUAL CRIME-COMPARATIVE 2020-2021. Download. Juan reported her missing Thursday afternoon. An 18-year old suspect was charged. Alison MacKenzie was reported missing in Rendezvous Caye, Belize, on Jan. 18, 2020. 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. 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. WebThere have been a few high-profile murders of tourists and expatriates. 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. Please email us your news at [emailprotected]. 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 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 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. 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. Alison MacKenzie, 43, was reported missing in Rendezvous Caye on Saturday. News. 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 American tourist was taken to the Dr Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II. Many of their vehicles, weapons and other equipment are provided by the U.S. Government. 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. Until recently, the only notable murder involvement by a US citizen was the bizarre John McAfee situation on Ambergris Caye back in 2012. The most popular nightclub in town is Jaguars Temple. 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. 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. Drug-related crimes are also on the uptick. The man, a Guatemalan national, maintains he was just fishing and was not involved in her death, police 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. Respected Voice of Tourism. "We 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. The US State Department confirmed the incident, but provided no further comment. Posted: Friday, June 28, 2019. About bodies floating to shore and military personnel walking the beaches with automatic weapons. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. The country also lifted the mask mandate, but travelers may still need a mask for their inbound flight and inside the airport. They then performed CPR on her but unfortunately, she passed away. Martinez was not known to the two men and the motive behind the shooting is unclear, authorities said. Please email us your news at [emailprotected]. And Rhonda Saunders, a 10-year patient of Swanks, told FOX affiliate WFXR that she had 99 percent blockage in a blood vessel that the doctor had stented saving her life as well. An autopsy shows that an American news producer found dead while staying in a vacation resort in Belize was strangled. A Canadian filmmaker was killed in January 2015 to the south of the district. The state department also notes that Belize police lack resources to effectively investigate crimes. In December 2022, Belize dropped all Covid-related travel restrictions. 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. Its no secret that Belize City is a cesspool of crime, with gang conflicts and shootings almost daily. 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. 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. Local police lack the resources and training to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents. 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). 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. WebUS tourist killed by gunfire in Belize 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 By The Associated Press January 1, 2023, 3:15 PM Or were they just in the wrong place at the wrong time? An expat in Placencia was also strangled in December 2017, found next to her rental vehicle. The killings drew international media attention but remain unsolved. The ninth murder this week in the country was 47-year-old Yolanda Requea, who was stabbed to death Sunday in San Ignacio. The police spokesperson told ABC News that the investigation is ongoing and nothing has been ruled out. Tourists in Belize are often victims of theft, but few experience real violence. His absence leaves a void in our team and in our community. 2020, BreakingBelizeNews.com. Dont look wealthy, dont flash cash, dont get too drunk, and so on. Police investigation led to the custody of several suspects, but all were released. (And Which Parts Should I Visit And/Or Avoid?). 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. The U.S. Embassy, in keeping with State Department policy, did not identify the victim. Gary Paul Swank, 53, a cardiologist at Carilion Clinic, who was recently Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Most foreign crime victims dont realize theyre victims until they wake up and find out. An American woman disappeared over the weekend while vacationing in Belize, authorities said. I say considering Belize only has a population of 350,000, one or two expat murders should be a major concern. However, the citys party scene isnt a wild one like some other parts of the Caribbean. Swaney is being remembered as a newsroom leader with a penchant for detail and a passion for getting facts straight. I treat everyone the same, ask for help, and return the favor. Tourism Review Online Magazine 1 / 2020. Drugs? Belize was included on the FY12, 13 and 14 U.S. Majors List of illegal narcotic producing and/or transit countries. The U.S. Embassy, in keeping with State Department policy, did not identify the victim. Boys basketball: Check out the Section 9 tournament brackets, FAMU basketball splits even with Southern in homecourt finale doubleheader. Posted: Thursday, November 26, 2020. Cruise ship visitors disembarking for a few hours while at the port have been targeted by scammers. WebToday we learned the tragic news that Carilion interventional cardiologist Dr. Gary Swank was found murdered in Belize, along with a local tour guide. #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. Your content is delivered instantly to thousands of users in Belize and abroad! The entire Carilion family extends Jacqueline Abad, 53, and Sara 1 file(s) 142.81 KB. We've received your submission. Check out how we can all use Crime http://t.co/85asUnyi, Ambergris Today (@ambergrisnews) August 31, 2012. Nevis then reportedly walked toward the seaside. Most crimes remain unresolved and unprosecuted, it added. "At 8:15 a.m. (Friday) the police search found her. CHICAGO (WLS) -- The ABC7 I-Team reports on WebThe police spokesperson told ABC News that the investigation is ongoing and nothing has been ruled out. Wheres the Best Hospital Near Me in Central America? Shortly thereafter, the assistant manager and the bartender went to look for her. 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 in May 2015, two American men were murdered in a suspected drug-related armed robbery. "We offer our sincerest condolences to her family and loved ones on their loss," said a U.S. State Department spokesman in Washington. 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.". Criminals often operate in groups and target persons traveling alone. Become part of the Facebook community, like our Placencia Crime Watchgroupso you know whats happening in your area. However, New Orleans media outlet nola.com identified her as JBria Bowens, a nursing student a Louisiana State University. I never heard any of that stuff before arriving. 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. "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. A Virginia doctor and his tour guide were murdered during a fly-fishing expedition in Belize, authorities said. 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.. However, New Orleans media outlet nola.com identified her as JBria Bowens, a nursing student a Louisiana State University. 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. 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. Who knows the circumstances of these crimes mentioned above. 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. "At 8 a.m. yesterday, Anne went to the Mopan River to do her yoga practice," said Benque Viejo Police Superintendent Daniel Arzu. 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. U.S. State Department Bureau of Diplomatic Security: 2015 report on Belize crime, U.S. State Department: Belize country report, Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, operated by U.S. State Department, Mt. 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? WebA tourist from Arizona has gone missing while on a catamaran tour on Rendezvous Caye in Belize, police there said Wednesday. 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. 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