And then just this month, a US retiree living in Hopkins was found, although arrests have been made in this case. CHICAGO (WLS) -- The ABC7 I-Team reports on Statistics matter and how statisticsRead More A Few Words About the Costa Rica Murder Rate. To date, there has been little released about this double murder or any hope of solving it. The question is, will they stick? Cruise ship visitors disembarking for a few hours while at the port have been targeted by scammers. What my research didnt tell me was about gunfire at night and conflicts at the Mexican border between drug runners. ANNUAL MAJOR CRIMES STATISTICS 1 file(s) 142.47 KB. 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 Many of their vehicles, weapons and other equipment are provided by the U.S. Government. There is not a nationwide tourist advisory in effect for Belize. She was reported missing in Rendezvous Caye, Belize, on Jan. 18, 2020. (And Which Parts Should I Visit And/Or Avoid?). This site contains occasional affiliate (referral) links to products we trust. Theft of content without permission/payment is punishable by law. 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. Thanks for contacting us. Content is copyrighted and requires written permission for reprinting in online or print media. Wheres the Best Hospital Near Me in Central America? The gunmen began shooting at a group of people who were partying at Jaguars nightclub. 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. ?Check out OSACs 2018 Crime and Safety Report on Belize to learn the most up-to-date traveler security information. 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. He said the attackers used an assault rifle and the intended target had been a local gang leader. San Pedro has long enjoyed peace and security as a result of strong, disciplined Police presence and solid community support, he said. As of Tuesday night, a person-of-interest had not been identified and no He said the attackers used an assault rifle and the intended target had been a local gang leader. Copyright 2023 WLS-TV. The Belize Consulate in Washington, DC, called the shooting tragic, but told WSLS that it needed to find out more before it could comment. 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. Bowens was apparently struck by gunfire outside a nightclub. Lets Talk About What Others Wont Crime In Belize. In January 2016, a vacationing news anchor from Chicago died in Cayo District. Advertise with the mt vtd nw t n Belize ~ We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages. Breaking Belize News invites you to share your story with the world. ', 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. 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. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? 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. Hes part of my life.. Advertise with the mt vtd nw t n Belize ~ We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages. Our thoughts, prayers and attention are now focused on helping his family navigate this difficult time.. WebThere have been a few high-profile murders of tourists and expatriates. Become part of the Facebook community, like our Placencia Crime Watchgroupso you know whats happening in your area. If youre moving here, get involved with a Neighborhood Watch scheme they do exist here. ANNUAL CRIME-COMPARATIVE 2020-2021. 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 May 2018, a gunman shot dead a Texan expat in his popular San Pedro restaurant in the early evening. 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. Dont look wealthy, dont flash cash, dont get too drunk, and so on. Thomas and his wife operate a resort miles up a rough road in western Belize where the I-Team headquartered while reporting the story. "A horse riding tour returned in the afternoon and found her personal effects on the deck. Both men were rushed to the San Pedro Polyclinic, where they were pronounced dead. 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. 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. 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. 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Its been a few years now since I moved to Belize and I think Ive assimilated well into my local community. 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. As of Tuesday night, a person-of-interest had not been identified and no one had been detained for questioning. Drugs? 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. According to Nola.com, the victims name is JBria Bowens, a nursing student a Louisiana State University. Criminals often operate in groups and target persons traveling alone. Download. Bowens was struck by a stray bullet. They had been missing for nearly a week. 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. 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. 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. 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. About bodies floating to shore and military personnel walking the beaches with automatic weapons. They then performed CPR on her but unfortunately, she passed away. Again, little news about this case or any arrests or convictions so far. "On the bus I felt safe but I would not want to be off the bus," said Brian Mielke, a Naperville resident. He said the attackers used an assault rifle and the intended target had been a local gang leader. Martinez was not known to the two men and the motive behind the shooting is unclear, authorities said. Authorities say its complicated because of the proximity to the Guatemala border. He saved my life and every time I went to his office, he was a very knowledgeable, patient and caring person, she said. Swaney is being remembered as a newsroom leader with a penchant for detail and a passion for getting facts straight. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. 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. But since 2016 several foreigners have been murdered in Belize. What about now? The passengers were on the Carnival Vista, which left out of Galveston. 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. Nothing says Keep Out like a sign that says I can make it to this gate in 2.3 seconds, can you?. She said the support she got from other teams was 'overwhelming. Dr. Swank was a well-respected and well-loved colleague who, each and every day, embodied the values that we hold dear. Im very serious about me and my wifes personal safety. Police teams resumed searching Friday morning. Only three percent of Belize homicides result in convictions. Remember, were only talking about foreigners murdered here. Alison MacKenzie, 43, was reported missing in Rendezvous Caye on Saturday. However, the citys party scene isnt a wild one like some other parts of the Caribbean. I never heard any of that stuff before arriving. Authorities said Swaney was taken to San Ignacio Hospital in Belize, where she was pronounced dead. She was staying at an equine lodge last month when someone attacked her and dragged her body into the Mopan River. Web(Statistics from the Belize Police Department) CRIMES COMPARATIVE JANUARY 2022 2023. Present at that meeting was also Minister of Tourism and Area Representative Manual Heredia Jr. and San Pedro Mayor Danny Gurrero. The San Pedro Barrier Reef. The rash of violence follows what officials said have been months of deadly crimes in the beach oasis. 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. 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. Following the murder of tourist Dr. GarySwank, 53, in San Pedro last week, the Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) has reported that as of yesterday, seven properties across the country have seen tourists cancel trips scheduled for November, December and even January 2020. The police spokesperson told ABC News that the investigation is ongoing and nothing has been ruled out. Download. But we are now witnessing more serious crimes creep into the south and out to the islands where the tourists go. We've received your submission. ? 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. 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.". 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. Breaking Belize News invites you to share your story with the world. Check out how we can all use Crime http://t.co/85asUnyi, Ambergris Today (@ambergrisnews) August 31, 2012. This story has been shared 130,601 times. Her body was taken to the Belize city morgue, where an autopsy was underway. "At 8 a.m. yesterday, Anne went to the Mopan River to do her yoga practice," said Benque Viejo Police Superintendent Daniel Arzu. Boys basketball: Check out the Section 9 tournament brackets, FAMU basketball splits even with Southern in homecourt finale doubleheader. 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. They were identified as Ernest Wills Sr., 49, Travis Cooke, 23, Allison Jones, 19, Jamar Martinez, 23, and Winston Santos, 40. By BBN Staff: An American national drowned on Wednesday night at Turneffe Island Resort. "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. This looked suspicious, so they went to her cabin, and she wasn't there. The Belize murder rate is third highest in the world - more than twice the homicide rate of Chicago and higher than any U.S. city. All Rights Reserved. ANNUAL 2019, BreakingBelizeNews.com. 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. We've received your submission. But, he admits, Belize police - especially in rural sections such as his - really don't handle many murder investigations. Jacqueline Abad, 53, and Sara Email us at [emailprotected] for more information. ABC News' Christine Theodorou contributed to this report. 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. 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'. 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 a statement, Briceo described Bowens death as a random act of terrorism. 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. Its no secret that Belize City is a cesspool of crime, with gang conflicts and shootings almost daily. The entire Carilion family extends (And Which Parts Should I Visit And/Or Avoid?). But I heard all these stories on Ambergris Caye and my protective nature kicked my alertness up two notches while I was there. Until recently, the only notable murder involvement by a US citizen was the bizarre John McAfee situation on Ambergris Caye back in 2012. 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. ANNUAL CRIME-COMPARATIVE 2019-2020. 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. Robbery? WebToday we learned the tragic news that Carilion interventional cardiologist Dr. Gary Swank was found murdered in Belize, along with a local tour guide. She was staying at the Nabitunich Farm near a tiny town called San Jose Succotz. 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 US State Department confirmed the incident, but provided no further comment. 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. In the Cayo District, armed robberies occasionally occur near the western border with Guatemala, especially near Caracol to the south. 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. WebCosta Rica Sarcasm & Fun. 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 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. Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. 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? Email us at [emailprotected] for more information. Alison MacKenzie was reported missing in Rendezvous Caye, Belize, on Jan. 18, 2020. A physical check showed bruises on her neck and lacerations on either side of her head," Arzu said. Bowens was apparently struck by gunfire outside a nightclub. They told the owner who called the police. "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. 4:50 pm CST. The U.S. Embassy, in keeping with State Department policy, did not identify the victim. 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. WebBelow find the latest compiled statistical information on the Tourism Industry in Belize. https://t.co/EWrcbLmyKs, Que Pasa Corozal (@QuePasaCorozal) September 1, 2018. The state department also notes that Belize police lack resources to effectively investigate crimes. The He has called on residents of San Pedro to stand with police as they hunt for criminals in the community. 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. Both men went into the water to rescue her. Download. "Definitely it hits the entire industry of Belize for tourists," said Karen Pike, Belize Tourism Board. Brico stated he understands the outrage that exists in the community given the impact it can have on the vital tourism sector. Business owner Lamont Lipka shot and killed in San Pedro The San Pedro Sun https://t.co/rambnluOZE via @SanPedroSun, The San Pedro Sun (@SanPedroSun) May 14, 2018. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. She was already dead on arrival. 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. 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. For more info, visit our Affiliate Disclosure Page. "What we say to all tourists is that you should be situationally aware, be cautious and just be aware of your surroundings," Pike said. https://t.co/DOPUhxwZrt, Ambergris Today (@ambergrisnews) September 5, 2018. Our meeting first meeting was in the ER, Saunders said. She apparently had planned to go on a horseback expedition Thursday morning, but when the group came up one animal short, Swaney stayed behind. The commander in charge of the Anne Swaney investigation says he received training in the U.S. from the FBI. 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. It was the emerald hills of western Belize that attracted ABC7 web producer Anne Swaney. Also, Belize is no longer requiring testing for entry, regardless of vaccination status. A Virginia doctor and his tour guide were murdered during a fly-fishing expedition in Belize, authorities said. Web(Statistics from the Belize Police Department) CRIMES COMPARATIVE JANUARY 2022 2023. 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. "At 8:15 a.m. (Friday) the police search found her. 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. The club is located in San Pedros Central Park. This story has been shared 130,601 times. Published by Teresa Romero , Feb 17, 2022. "We offer our sincerest condolences to her family and loved ones on their loss," said a U.S. State Department spokesman in Washington. As the most-visited destination in the country, San Pedro is home to the second-largest barrier reed in the world. Increased level of Crime in Two South-side communities of Belize City force Government to Declare a State of Emergency in the areas. Teresa Hodges, a patient of Swanks for 13 years, told the outlet she was devastated to hear what had happened. The ninth murder this week in the country was 47-year-old Yolanda Requea, who was stabbed to death Sunday in San Ignacio. 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. 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, David Martinez, 23, reportedly was shot eight times by the gunmen, who ambushed him from the bushes in a Corozal Town yard. Respect your surroundings and try to become one with your community. Gary Peterson lives on the Placencia Peninsula, Belize, where he writes books about Central America and the Caribbean. The country also lifted the mask mandate, but travelers may still need a mask for their inbound flight and inside the airport. The killings drew international media attention but remain unsolved. Corozal District saw an incident last year with the discovery of a local expat couple found strangled in a cane field. 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Crime Stoppers Belize says WE can be more active in the fight against CRIME! The most popular nightclub in town is Jaguars Temple. 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. 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.
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