Most foreign crime victims dont realize theyre victims until they wake up and find out. Thomas and his wife operate a resort miles up a rough road in western Belize where the I-Team headquartered while reporting the story. 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. An autopsy shows that an American news producer found dead while staying in a vacation resort in Belize was strangled. WebA Virginia doctor and his tour guide were murdered during a fly-fishing expedition in Belize, authorities said. We are heartbroken at his loss. 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. And then just this month, a US retiree living in Hopkins was found, although arrests have been made in this case. 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. 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. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. The many Belizeans who are assaulted and the many businesspersons who are held at gunpoint, beaten and their establishment are robbed are a persistent reminder that crime continues to rise.. Only three percent of Belize homicides result in convictions. However, the citys party scene isnt a wild one like some other parts of the Caribbean. Most crimes remain unresolved and unprosecuted, it added. "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.". 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. 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. I never heard any of that stuff before arriving. 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. 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. 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'. (And Which Parts Should I Visit And/Or Avoid?). "On the bus I felt safe but I would not want to be off the bus," said Brian Mielke, a Naperville resident. The gunmen began shooting at a group of people who were partying at Jaguars nightclub. The grisly slaying of a Virginia doctor coincided with a week-long bloodbath in Belize that left eight others murdered, according to a report. 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? In May 2018, a gunman shot dead a Texan expat in his popular San Pedro restaurant in the early evening. Criminals often operate in groups and target persons traveling alone. 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. 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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. 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. As of Tuesday night, a person-of-interest had not been identified and no Download. WebThe police spokesperson told ABC News that the investigation is ongoing and nothing has been ruled out. This murder remains unsolved. Both men went into the water to rescue her. Business dealings? 1 file(s) 146.10 KB. 4:50 pm CST. Police say the case remains open and investigations continue to solve the double murder. 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. 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WebBelow find the latest compiled statistical information on the Tourism Industry in Belize. I say considering Belize only has a population of 350,000, one or two expat murders should be a major concern. Hotel owner Santiago Juan tells ABC7 Chicago she was killed on "public land" near the hotel. 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. A Canadian filmmaker was killed in January 2015 to the south of the district. Please email us your news at [emailprotected]. The country also lifted the mask mandate, but travelers may still need a mask for their inbound flight and inside the airport. The Gary Paul Swank, 53, a cardiologist at Carilion Clinic, who was recently 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. Track SoCal rain with LIVE Megadoppler 7000 HD, Chuck Goudie, Ann Pistone, Barb Markoff, Christine Tressel and Ross Weidner. An 18-year old suspect was charged. The man, a Guatemalan national, maintains he was just fishing and was not involved in her death, police said. This should be a concern as Belize survives on tourism. Respect your surroundings and try to become one with your community. "Things happen, and it's super sad, and you don't want to be that person," said Natalie Shellworth, an American tourist. ANNUAL MAJOR CRIMES STATISTICS 1 file(s) 142.47 KB. My first trip to Belize took me to Ambergris Caye and my research told me the usual stuff. 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. WebUS tourist killed by gunfire in Belize. 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. Cases of sexual assault against female travelers have also be been reported in that district. 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. 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. Is Guatemala City Safe? Nothing says Keep Out like a sign that says I can make it to this gate in 2.3 seconds, can you?. WebTwo Carnival Cruise Line passengers were killed in a van accident during an independent tour in Belize. Local police lack the resources and training to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents. They told the owner who called the police. Contact us at mrkt[emailprotected]kngblznw.m or call us at 501-601-0315. His absence leaves a void in our team and in our community. 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. Posted: Thursday, November 26, 2020. And in May 2015, two American men were murdered in a suspected drug-related armed robbery. Download. But since 2016 several foreigners have been murdered in Belize. Sticking your head into the sand of one of our beautiful Caribbean beaches is not the best way to go. 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. Breaking Belize News invites you to share your story with the world. The U.S. Embassy, in keeping with State Department policy, did not identify the victim. Increased level of Crime in Two South-side communities of Belize City force Government to Declare a State of Emergency in the areas. Copyright 2023 WLS-TV. 2020, BreakingBelizeNews.com. The killings drew international media attention but remain 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. In a statement, Briceo described Bowens death as a random act of terrorism. Police here do have a fairly high street presence. He said the attackers used an assault rifle and the intended target had been a local gang leader. Plan is to increase Police Presence and Power of Authority. Officials said a San Pedro resident was killed three days later by two unknown masked men. 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. "Due to privacy considerations, we have no further comment at this time.". She said the support she got from other teams was 'overwhelming. The rash of violence follows what officials said have been months of deadly crimes in the beach oasis. https://t.co/EWrcbLmyKs, Que Pasa Corozal (@QuePasaCorozal) September 1, 2018. She had lived in the area for years and was selling her home. 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. 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 U.S. Embassy, in keeping with State Department policy, did not identify the victim. Your content is delivered instantly to thousands of users in Belize and abroad! A member of the tour group reported that when they woke up the next morning around 6:00 a.m., MacKenzie was nowhere to be found, according to a spokesperson for the Belize Police Department. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. "What we say to all tourists is that you should be situationally aware, be cautious and just be aware of your surroundings," Pike said. She was already dead on arrival. Join BBN mailing list for the latest news on Belize. Briceo has directed Police Commissioner Chester Williams to lead the investigation into her death. "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. 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. Boys basketball: Check out the Section 9 tournament brackets, FAMU basketball splits even with Southern in homecourt finale doubleheader. 2019, BreakingBelizeNews.com. Breaking Belize News invites you to share your story with the world. Please email us your news at [emailprotected]. 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. According to Nola.com, the victims name is JBria Bowens, a nursing student a Louisiana State University. Drugs? Juan reported her missing Thursday afternoon. 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. The U.S. Embassy, in keeping with State Department policy, did not identify the victim. "At 8 a.m. yesterday, Anne went to the Mopan River to do her yoga practice," said Benque Viejo Police Superintendent Daniel Arzu. At least 125 murders were committed in Belize in 2021. Bowens was struck by a stray bullet. I should have closed and locked the door/windows.. Become part of the Facebook community, like our Placencia Crime Watchgroupso you know whats happening in your area. 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. But I heard all these stories on Ambergris Caye and my protective nature kicked my alertness up two notches while I was there. Columbus-area measles outbreak was the nation's largest in 2022. Corozal District saw an incident last year with the discovery of a local expat couple found strangled in a cane field. What my research didnt tell me was about gunfire at night and conflicts at the Mexican border between drug runners. ANNUAL 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 passengers were on the Carnival Vista, which left out of Galveston. 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