There is not a nationwide tourist advisory in effect for Belize. Cruise ship visitors disembarking for a few hours while at the port have been targeted by scammers. 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. A physical check showed bruises on her neck and lacerations on either side of her head," Arzu said. "Things happen, and it's super sad, and you don't want to be that person," said Natalie Shellworth, an American tourist. She was staying at an equine lodge last month when someone attacked her and dragged her body into the Mopan River. The U.S. Embassy, in keeping with State Department policy, did not identify the victim. 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. But we are now witnessing more serious crimes creep into the south and out to the islands where the tourists go. Swanks colleagues and patients grieved the sudden loss of a seasoned, caring doctor. Published by Teresa Romero , Feb 17, 2022. The U.S. Embassy, in keeping with State Department policy, did not identify the victim. About bodies floating to shore and military personnel walking the beaches with automatic weapons. Dont look wealthy, dont flash cash, dont get too drunk, and so on. 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. Martinez was not known to the two men and the motive behind the shooting is unclear, authorities said. San Pedro has long enjoyed peace and security as a result of strong, disciplined Police presence and solid community support, he said. 2019, BreakingBelizeNews.com. 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. Theft of content without permission/payment is punishable by law. We often hear I woke up and my computer/phone/purse was missing. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. 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. In Central America, Belize is one of the fastest-growing destinations for Americans. 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 already dead on arrival. Please email us your news at [emailprotected]. 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. In December 2022, Belize dropped all Covid-related travel restrictions. WebA Virginia doctor and his tour guide were murdered during a fly-fishing expedition in Belize, authorities said. Breaking Belize News is able to offer a marketing package that uses internet, social media and email to reach over 500,000 Belizean-centric potential customers each month. Plan is to increase Police Presence and Power of Authority. There has been a noted increase in violent crime targeting tourists since the end of 2013. The killings drew international media attention but remain unsolved. 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. 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. 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. By BBN Staff: An American national drowned on Wednesday night at Turneffe Island Resort. My fear is, at some point, occupants will confront a suspect who enters a property and itll get violent. The US State Department confirmed the incident, but provided no further comment. This should be a concern as Belize survives on tourism. An American woman disappeared over the weekend while vacationing in Belize, authorities said. Its also the only nightclub that opens after midnight. He has called on residents of San Pedro to stand with police as they hunt for criminals in the community. Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. Drugs? ANNUAL MAJOR CRIMES STATISTICS 1 file(s) 142.47 KB. 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). Gary Paul Swank, 53, a cardiologist at Carilion Clinic, who was recently Most foreign crime victims dont realize theyre victims until they wake up and find out. 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. 4:50 pm CST. https://t.co/FQFt9PRVaS, Stars and Stripes (@starsandstripes) May 30, 2018. ANNUAL 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. News. Officials said a San Pedro resident was killed three days later by two unknown masked men. Swaney is being remembered as a newsroom leader with a penchant for detail and a passion for getting facts straight. 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. The state department also notes that Belize police lack resources to effectively investigate crimes. Email us at [emailprotected] for more information. Boys basketball: Check out the Section 9 tournament brackets, FAMU basketball splits even with Southern in homecourt finale doubleheader. Nevis then reportedly walked toward the seaside. 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. ?Check out OSACs 2018 Crime and Safety Report on Belize to learn the most up-to-date traveler security information. The club is located in San Pedros Central Park. My first trip to Belize took me to Ambergris Caye and my research told me the usual stuff. Alison Mackenzie, 43, went missing early Saturday Like the previous cases mentioned, no leads or convictions, which seems to be the norm. What about now? 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. 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. 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. 10:45 am CST. A Few Words About the Costa Rica Murder Rate. Her body was taken to the Belize city morgue, where an autopsy was underway. Corozal District saw an incident last year with the discovery of a local expat couple found strangled in a cane field. 1 file(s) 146.10 KB. But, he admits, Belize police - especially in rural sections such as his - really don't handle many murder investigations. 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. In the Cayo District, armed robberies occasionally occur near the western border with Guatemala, especially near Caracol to the south. Belize Prime Minister John Briceo confirmed that police have arrested a number of persons in connection with the murder of the American tourist. Bowens was apparently struck by gunfire outside a nightclub. 2020, BreakingBelizeNews.com. But our colleague wasn't the only American killed recently in Belize. 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. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Briceo has directed Police Commissioner Chester Williams to lead the investigation into her death. Join BBN mailing list for the latest news on Belize. Or were they just in the wrong place at the wrong time? The country also lifted the mask mandate, but travelers may still need a mask for their inbound flight and inside the airport. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Email us at [emailprotected] for more information. ? At least 125 murders were committed in Belize in 2021. 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. Im not sure if the recent decline in tourists is because of sargassum or increasing crime or both. Both men went into the water to rescue her. Only three percent of Belize homicides result in convictions. 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. 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. 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.. Authorities said Swaney was taken to San Ignacio Hospital in Belize, where she was pronounced dead. According to Nola.com, the victims name is JBria Bowens, a nursing student a Louisiana State University. Police teams resumed searching Friday morning. 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. 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. Lets Talk About What Others Wont Crime In Belize. Sticking your head into the sand of one of our beautiful Caribbean beaches is not the best way to go. 1 file(s) 142.47 KB. But since 2016 several foreigners have been murdered in Belize. San Pedro Town is the one and only town on the popular Caribbean island of Ambergris Caye, Belize. 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. 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 American tourist was taken to the Dr Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II. 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. "At 8 a.m. yesterday, Anne went to the Mopan River to do her yoga practice," said Benque Viejo Police Superintendent Daniel Arzu. ANNUAL MAJOR CRIMES STATISTICS 1 file(s) Crime Stoppers Belize says WE can be more active in the fight against CRIME! Our meeting first meeting was in the ER, Saunders said. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? This site contains occasional affiliate (referral) links to products we trust. Pretty much every visitor toRead More Is Guatemala City Safe? https://t.co/DOPUhxwZrt, Ambergris Today (@ambergrisnews) September 5, 2018. We've received your submission. ", "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. Juan reported her missing Thursday afternoon. I say considering Belize only has a population of 350,000, one or two expat murders should be a major concern. The passengers were on the Carnival Vista, which left out of Galveston. 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. 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. However, the citys party scene isnt a wild one like some other parts of the Caribbean. The U.S. Embassy, in keeping with State Department policy, did not identify the victim. 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. Web(Statistics from the Belize Police Department) CRIMES COMPARATIVE JANUARY 2022 2023. Eric Trump says he was spit on by employee at a Chicago ba 11-year-old reads aloud from 'pornographic' book he checked out from library at school board meeting, Ousted Chicago mayor blames loss on racism, gender but not her tepid response to crime, Influencer refuses to switch business class seats so family can sit together, Matthew Lawrence hugs, kisses TLCs Chilli during romantic airport reunion, Inside the Hollywood-script style life of Aubrey Plaza: a stroke, a tie-dye wedding and calls to be Bond, Caroline Manzo launching new season of cooking show amid RHUGT drama, Good luck 'worming' your way out of this one, Sunny Hostin Points Finger at China for COVID Crisis: Did Not Cooperate With the International Community, Meghan Markle, Prince Harry have first night out since bombshell 'Spare' released. 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. The grisly slaying of a Virginia doctor coincided with a week-long bloodbath in Belize that left eight others murdered, according to a report. 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. Content is copyrighted and requires written permission for reprinting in online or print media. 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. Theft of content without permission/payment is punishable by law. However, New Orleans media outlet nola.com identified her as JBria Bowens, a nursing student a Louisiana State University. Cases of sexual assault against female travelers have also be been reported in that district. All Rights Reserved. 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'. 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 "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. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. His absence leaves a void in our team and in our community. Statistics matter and how statisticsRead More A Few Words About the Costa Rica Murder Rate. 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. 1 file(s) 142.81 KB. 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. Download. However, New Orleans media outlet nola.com identified her as JBria Bowens, a nursing student a Louisiana State University. Download. Posted: Thursday, November 26, 2020. Robbery? 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. Brunt of storm moving out of SoCal on Wednesday; showers will linger, 5 Freeway closed through Grapevine due to snow, ice, Ice flies off SUV, smashing windshield: 'You could kill somebody'. Brico stated he understands the outrage that exists in the community given the impact it can have on the vital tourism sector. 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, 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. She was staying at the Nabitunich Farm near a tiny town called San Jose Succotz. "What we say to all tourists is that you should be situationally aware, be cautious and just be aware of your surroundings," Pike said. They had been missing for nearly a week. U.S. Embassy officials urge visitors to Belize to travel only in groups, only during the day; avoid wearing jewelry or carrying valuables. 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. Hotel owner Santiago Juan tells ABC7 Chicago she was killed on "public land" near the hotel. Belize was included on the FY12, 13 and 14 U.S. Majors List of illegal narcotic producing and/or transit countries. Download. One was Canadian and the other from the US. A MAJOR concern how statisticsRead more a Few Words About the Costa Rica Murder Rate Staff an! Lets Talk About What Others Wont Crime in Belize, where an was. The recent decline in tourists is because of sargassum or increasing Crime or both men into... Like some other parts of the American tourist was taken to the islands where the tourists.... Country also lifted the mask mandate, but travelers May still need a mask their! Wont Crime in Belize only town on the Carnival Vista, which left out of Galveston 5 2018... 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