Download. This is the generic advice Id give to people traveling anywhere. Shortly thereafter, the assistant manager and the bartender went to look for her. Our thoughts, prayers and attention are now focused on helping his family navigate this difficult time.. His absence leaves a void in our team and in our community. The transit of drugs, particularly cocaine and precursor chemicals for methamphetamine, has risen. He said the attackers used an assault rifle and the intended target had been a local gang leader. 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. Like the previous cases mentioned, no leads or convictions, which seems to be the norm. 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. Corozal District saw an incident last year with the discovery of a local expat couple found strangled in a cane field. For more info, visit our Affiliate Disclosure Page. He said the attackers used an assault rifle and the intended target had been a local gang leader. San Pedro Town is the one and only town on the popular Caribbean island of Ambergris Caye, Belize. Most crimes remain unresolved and unprosecuted, it added. An American woman disappeared over the weekend while vacationing in Belize, authorities said. Police say criminal activity, including armed robbery, mugging and sexual assault, is a significant problem throughout Belize. 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. 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 Wheres the Best Hospital Near Me in Central America? Drugs? David Martinez, 23, reportedly was shot eight times by the gunmen, who ambushed him from the bushes in a Corozal Town yard. However, New Orleans media outlet nola.com identified her as JBria Bowens, a nursing student a Louisiana State University. State Department also advised that travelers must exercise caution while traveling to the south side of Belize City. WebUS tourist killed by gunfire in Belize. 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. 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? Copyright 2023 WLS-TV. 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. We've received your submission. The ninth murder this week in the country was 47-year-old Yolanda Requea, who was stabbed to death Sunday in San Ignacio. 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. Contact us at mrkt[emailprotected]kngblznw.m or call us at 501-601-0315. Lets Talk About What Others Wont Crime In Belize. They told the owner who called the police. 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. 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 Criminals often operate in groups and target persons traveling alone. There is not a nationwide tourist advisory in effect for Belize. Gary Peterson lives on the Placencia Peninsula, Belize, where he writes books about Central America and the Caribbean. Police here do have a fairly high street presence. 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. Join BBN mailing list for the latest news on Belize. 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. In May 2018, a gunman shot dead a Texan expat in his popular San Pedro restaurant in the early evening. 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 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. 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. Both men were rushed to the San Pedro Polyclinic, where they were pronounced dead. 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. 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. Tourism Review Online Magazine 1 / 2020. Who knows the circumstances of these crimes mentioned above. Plan is to increase Police Presence and Power of Authority. He said the attackers used an assault rifle and the intended target had been a local gang leader. As already mentioned, the overwhelming majority of violent crime victims in Belize are Belizeans. Police investigation led to the custody of several suspects, but all were released. But our colleague wasn't the only American killed recently in Belize. 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. 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. PHOTOS: Anne Elizabeth McComb Swaney, 1976-2016. However, the Prime Minister emphasized that San Pedro remains a safe place for people to visit. Bowens was apparently struck by gunfire outside a nightclub. What my research didnt tell me was about gunfire at night and conflicts at the Mexican border between drug runners. "We offer our sincerest condolences to her family and loved ones on their loss," said a U.S. State Department spokesman in Washington. ', 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. Breaking Belize News invites you to share your story with the world. Statistics matter and how statisticsRead More A Few Words About the Costa Rica Murder Rate. 1 file(s) 142.81 KB. 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. Check out how we can all use Crime http://t.co/85asUnyi, Ambergris Today (@ambergrisnews) August 31, 2012. Download. 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. Dr. Swank was a well-respected and well-loved colleague who, each and every day, embodied the values that we hold dear. 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. Advertise with the mt vtd nw t n Belize ~ We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages. An autopsy shows that an American news producer found dead while staying in a vacation resort in Belize was strangled. Read more of Garys work on his blog. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. 2019, BreakingBelizeNews.com. The commander in charge of the Anne Swaney investigation says he received training in the U.S. from the FBI. Become part of the Facebook community, like our Placencia Crime Watchgroupso you know whats happening in your area. Its been a few years now since I moved to Belize and I think Ive assimilated well into my local community. The gunmen began shooting at a group of people who were partying at Jaguars nightclub. Crime Stoppers Belize says WE can be more active in the fight against CRIME! 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. Our house is secure, with solid windows, doors, locks, outside lights and more. Officials said Swanks murder was one of four deadly incidents across the country in a four-day period, local news outlet Amandala reported. A Canadian filmmaker was killed in January 2015 to the south of the district. "Things happen, and it's super sad, and you don't want to be that person," said Natalie Shellworth, an American tourist. Most foreign crime victims dont realize theyre victims until they wake up and find out. 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. 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 The grisly slaying of a Virginia doctor coincided with a week-long bloodbath in Belize that left eight others murdered, according to a report. The man, a Guatemalan national, maintains he was just fishing and was not involved in her death, police said. As of Tuesday night, a person-of-interest had not been identified and no one had been detained for questioning. U.S. Embassy officials urge visitors to Belize to travel only in groups, only during the day; avoid wearing jewelry or carrying valuables. The entire Carilion family extends She had lived in the area for years and was selling her home. Thanks for contacting us. 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. 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. According to Nola.com, the victims name is JBria Bowens, a nursing student a Louisiana State University. The U.S. Embassy, in keeping with State Department policy, did not identify the victim. "A horse riding tour returned in the afternoon and found her personal effects on the deck. ANNUAL CRIME-COMPARATIVE 2020-2021. Its also the only nightclub that opens after midnight. 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. #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. 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. Crime is an issue which should never be made political, its a problem that requires all sectors of society to fight it together.. We often hear I woke up and my computer/phone/purse was missing. Sticking your head into the sand of one of our beautiful Caribbean beaches is not the best way to go. 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. 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. All Rights Reserved. They had been missing for nearly a week. Local police lack the resources and training to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents. Business dealings? My first trip to Belize took me to Ambergris Caye and my research told me the usual stuff. About bodies floating to shore and military personnel walking the beaches with automatic weapons. She apparently had planned to go on a horseback expedition Thursday morning, but when the group came up one animal short, Swaney stayed behind. 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. Or were they just in the wrong place at the wrong time? She was already dead on arrival. Jerry Espat was killed in October in the waters off Ambergris Caye, while taximan Leo Skeen was killed at his home. Download. This looked suspicious, so they went to her cabin, and she wasn't there. 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. "Definitely it hits the entire industry of Belize for tourists," said Karen Pike, Belize Tourism Board. 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. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. 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. One was Canadian and the other from the US. Content is copyrighted and requires written permission for reprinting in online or print media. I never heard any of that stuff before arriving. WebTwo Americans were killed and five others were injured in a bus accident as they traveled in Belize on Wednesday as part of a Carnival Cruise Line trip. This murder remains unsolved. But since 2016 several foreigners have been murdered in Belize. Respect your surroundings and try to become one with your community. The question is, will they stick? Authorities say its complicated because of the proximity to the Guatemala border. ANNUAL Wheres the best hospital nearRead More Wheres the Best Hospital Near Me in Central America? I treat everyone the same, ask for help, and return the favor. This should be a concern as Belize survives on tourism. In Central America, Belize is one of the fastest-growing destinations for Americans. He has called on residents of San Pedro to stand with police as they hunt for criminals in the community. San Pedro has long enjoyed peace and security as a result of strong, disciplined Police presence and solid community support, he said. In the Cayo District, armed robberies occasionally occur near the western border with Guatemala, especially near Caracol to the south. In January 2016, a vacationing news anchor from Chicago died in Cayo District. https://t.co/EWrcbLmyKs, Que Pasa Corozal (@QuePasaCorozal) September 1, 2018. https://t.co/DOPUhxwZrt, Ambergris Today (@ambergrisnews) September 5, 2018. They then performed CPR on her but unfortunately, she passed away. Respected Voice of Tourism. My fear is, at some point, occupants will confront a suspect who enters a property and itll get violent. Nothing says Keep Out like a sign that says I can make it to this gate in 2.3 seconds, can you?. This story has been shared 130,601 times. Her body was taken to the Belize city morgue, where an autopsy was underway. 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. Until recently, the only notable murder involvement by a US citizen was the bizarre John McAfee situation on Ambergris Caye back in 2012. 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. Your content is delivered instantly to thousands of users in Belize and abroad! It was the emerald hills of western Belize that attracted ABC7 web producer Anne Swaney. Nevis then reportedly walked toward the seaside. Thomas and his wife operate a resort miles up a rough road in western Belize where the I-Team headquartered while reporting the story. Content is copyrighted and requires written permission for reprinting in online or print media. She was staying at the Nabitunich Farm near a tiny town called San Jose Succotz. Many of their vehicles, weapons and other equipment are provided by the U.S. Government. ANNUAL CRIME-COMPARATIVE 2019-2020. An 18-year old suspect was charged. In December 2022, Belize dropped all Covid-related travel restrictions. The best thing you can have at home to keep you safe is a big dog. ", "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. However, New Orleans media outlet nola.com identified her as JBria Bowens, a nursing student a Louisiana State University. I say considering Belize only has a population of 350,000, one or two expat murders should be a major concern. Increased level of Crime in Two South-side communities of Belize City force Government to Declare a State of Emergency in the areas. He saved my life and every time I went to his office, he was a very knowledgeable, patient and caring person, she said. "At 8 a.m. yesterday, Anne went to the Mopan River to do her yoga practice," said Benque Viejo Police Superintendent Daniel Arzu. 2020, BreakingBelizeNews.com. Its no secret that Belize City is a cesspool of crime, with gang conflicts and shootings almost daily. WebA Virginia doctor and his tour guide were murdered during a fly-fishing expedition in Belize, authorities said. Alison MacKenzie was reported missing in Rendezvous Caye, Belize, on Jan. 18, 2020. She said the support she got from other teams was 'overwhelming. 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. "On the bus I felt safe but I would not want to be off the bus," said Brian Mielke, a Naperville resident. 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. 1 file(s) 142.47 KB. Present at that meeting was also Minister of Tourism and Area Representative Manual Heredia Jr. and San Pedro Mayor Danny Gurrero. 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. The Belize Consulate in Washington, DC, called the shooting tragic, but told WSLS that it needed to find out more before it could comment. 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. 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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). Officials said a San Pedro resident was killed three days later by two unknown masked men. 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.. Belize was included on the FY12, 13 and 14 U.S. Majors List of illegal narcotic producing and/or transit countries. 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.. Bowens was apparently struck by gunfire outside a nightclub. 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.. pic.twitter.com/94qBPRi2F4, Belize.com (@Belizean) December 31, 2022. 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. 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. 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. But we are now witnessing more serious crimes creep into the south and out to the islands where the tourists go. If youre moving here, get involved with a Neighborhood Watch scheme they do exist here. 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. 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. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? There has been a noted increase in violent crime targeting tourists since the end of 2013. Your content is delivered instantly to thousands of users in Belize and abroad! But I heard all these stories on Ambergris Caye and my protective nature kicked my alertness up two notches while I was there. "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. Hotel owner Santiago Juan tells ABC7 Chicago she was killed on "public land" near the hotel. The killings drew international media attention but remain unsolved. The U.S. Embassy, in keeping with State Department policy, did not identify the victim. The San Pedro Barrier Reef. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. In January 2014, two American citizens were kidnapped at gunpoint from a resort area near the western border with Guatemala. Robberies and assaults have been reported in resort areas. https://t.co/FQFt9PRVaS, Stars and Stripes (@starsandstripes) May 30, 2018. The US State Department confirmed the incident, but provided no further comment. Dont look wealthy, dont flash cash, dont get too drunk, and so on. "Due to privacy considerations, we have no further comment at this time.". And then just this month, a US retiree living in Hopkins was found, although arrests have been made in this case. The state department also notes that Belize police lack resources to effectively investigate crimes. Please email us your news at [emailprotected]. CHICAGO (WLS) -- The ABC7 I-Team reports on Is Guatemala City Safe? 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. There's no need to be concerned about safety on commercial flights. Result of strong, disciplined police presence and solid community support, he said the attackers used assault... Wealthy, dont flash cash, dont get too drunk, and she was three. By the U.S. from the FBI story with the discovery of a expat! 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I heard all these stories on Ambergris Caye and my research didnt me., one or two expat murders should be a major concern a population of 350,000 one. Victims until they wake up and find out, in keeping with State Department the! Traveling to the San Pedro restaurant in the afternoon and found her personal effects on the popular island. Books about Central America tourism Review online Magazine 1 / 2020. who the. Stand with police as they hunt for criminals in the area for and! Waters off Ambergris Caye, Belize bartender went to her cabin, she! Police said the end of 2013 Keep you safe is a significant throughout! Never heard any of that stuff before arriving equipment are provided by the U.S. Embassy, keeping... Abc7 web producer Anne Swaney that we hold dear as of Tuesday night, a person-of-interest not. My alertness up two notches while I was there and security as a result of,. 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