WebTwo Carnival Cruise Line passengers were killed in a van accident during an independent tour in Belize. 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. Martinez was not known to the two men and the motive behind the shooting is unclear, authorities said. The San Pedro Barrier Reef. 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. Until recently, the only notable murder involvement by a US citizen was the bizarre John McAfee situation on Ambergris Caye back in 2012. Officials said a San Pedro resident was killed three days later by two unknown masked men. News. 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. Many of their vehicles, weapons and other equipment are provided by the U.S. Government. Jacqueline Abad, 53, and Sara 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. Police here do have a fairly high street presence. Her body was taken to the Belize city morgue, where an autopsy was underway. CHICAGO (WLS) -- The ABC7 I-Team reports on In a statement, Briceo described Bowens death as a random act of terrorism. 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. He has called on residents of San Pedro to stand with police as they hunt for criminals in the community. Swaney is being remembered as a newsroom leader with a penchant for detail and a passion for getting facts straight. WebUS tourist killed by gunfire 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. The US State Department confirmed the incident, but provided no further comment. Email us at [emailprotected] for more information. Copyright 2023 WLS-TV. In Central America, Belize is one of the fastest-growing destinations for Americans. Hes part of my life.. The Belize Consulate in Washington, DC, called the shooting tragic, but told WSLS that it needed to find out more before it could comment. Breaking Belize News invites you to share your story with the world. This is the generic advice Id give to people traveling anywhere. "We We often hear I woke up and my computer/phone/purse was missing. Download. 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. As of Tuesday night, a person-of-interest had not been identified and no one had been detained for questioning. WebA tourist from Arizona has gone missing while on a catamaran tour on Rendezvous Caye in Belize, police there said Wednesday. Breaking Belize News invites you to share your story with the world. They were identified as Ernest Wills Sr., 49, Travis Cooke, 23, Allison Jones, 19, Jamar Martinez, 23, and Winston Santos, 40. And then just this month, a US retiree living in Hopkins was found, although arrests have been made in this case. "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. We've received your submission. 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. Police say criminal activity, including armed robbery, mugging and sexual assault, is a significant problem throughout Belize. If you read the US State Departments OSAC (Overseas Security Advisory Council) Crime & Safety Report for Belize in 2018, youll see the words exercise increased caution. I say considering Belize only has a population of 350,000, one or two expat murders should be a major concern. Both men went into the water to rescue her. Check out how we can all use Crime http://t.co/85asUnyi, Ambergris Today (@ambergrisnews) August 31, 2012. If he had not been the type of doctor that he was, I probably would not have seen him. Dont look wealthy, dont flash cash, dont get too drunk, and so on. Who knows the circumstances of these crimes mentioned above. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. This stretch of winter into Spring Break is a popular time for Chicagoans to head south. Shortly thereafter, the assistant manager and the bartender went to look for her. "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.". ANNUAL ?Check out OSACs 2018 Crime and Safety Report on Belize to learn the most up-to-date traveler security information. "At 8:15 a.m. (Friday) the police search found her. But our colleague wasn't the only American killed recently in Belize. The U.S. Embassy, in keeping with State Department policy, did not identify the victim. "We offer our sincerest condolences to her family and loved ones on their loss," said a U.S. State Department spokesman in Washington. WebA Virginia doctor and his tour guide were murdered during a fly-fishing expedition in Belize, authorities said. The U.S. Embassy, in keeping with State Department policy, did not identify the victim. U.S. Embassy officials urge visitors to Belize to travel only in groups, only during the day; avoid wearing jewelry or carrying valuables. Respect your surroundings and try to become one with your community. The U.S. Embassy, in keeping with State Department policy, did not identify the victim. State Department also advised that travelers must exercise caution while traveling to the south side of Belize City. If youre moving here, get involved with a Neighborhood Watch scheme they do exist here. An 18-year old suspect was charged. We are heartbroken at his loss. The entire Carilion family extends As already mentioned, the overwhelming majority of violent crime victims in Belize are Belizeans. A Canadian filmmaker was killed in January 2015 to the south of the district. 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. #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. And in May 2015, two American men were murdered in a suspected drug-related armed robbery. Alison Mackenzie, 43, went missing early Saturday "Definitely it hits the entire industry of Belize for tourists," said Karen Pike, Belize Tourism Board. 1 file(s) 142.81 KB. But, he admits, Belize police - especially in rural sections such as his - really don't handle many murder investigations. Most foreign crime victims dont realize theyre victims until they wake up and find out. WebThe Belize murder rate is third highest in the world - more than twice the homicide rate of Chicago and higher than any U.S. city. 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. Contact us at mrkt[emailprotected]kngblznw.m or call us at 501-601-0315. 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. By BBN Staff: An American national drowned on Wednesday night at Turneffe Island Resort. However, New Orleans media outlet nola.com identified her as JBria Bowens, a nursing student a Louisiana State University. 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Tourism Review Online Magazine 1 / 2020. This looked suspicious, so they went to her cabin, and she wasn't there. 10:45 am CST. 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. https://t.co/DOPUhxwZrt, Ambergris Today (@ambergrisnews) September 5, 2018. https://t.co/EWrcbLmyKs, Que Pasa Corozal (@QuePasaCorozal) September 1, 2018. 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.". Posted: Friday, June 28, 2019. 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. Increased level of Crime in Two South-side communities of Belize City force Government to Declare a State of Emergency in the areas. 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. Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. 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. 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. Boys basketball: Check out the Section 9 tournament brackets, FAMU basketball splits even with Southern in homecourt finale doubleheader. 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. The passengers were on the Carnival Vista, which left out of Galveston. Alison MacKenzie, 43, was reported missing in Rendezvous Caye on Saturday. 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. "Things happen, and it's super sad, and you don't want to be that person," said Natalie Shellworth, an American tourist. Read it here: https://t.co/crTR6zsohu. ', 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. Statistics matter and how statisticsRead More A Few Words About the Costa Rica Murder Rate. 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. San Pedro Town is the one and only town on the popular Caribbean island of Ambergris Caye, Belize. What my research didnt tell me was about gunfire at night and conflicts at the Mexican border between drug runners. Join BBN mailing list for the latest news on Belize. 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.. "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. According to Nola.com, the victims name is JBria Bowens, a nursing student a Louisiana State University. 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'. Download. The club is located in San Pedros Central Park. They had been missing for nearly a week. 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. David Martinez, 23, reportedly was shot eight times by the gunmen, who ambushed him from the bushes in a Corozal Town yard. 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. My first trip to Belize took me to Ambergris Caye and my research told me the usual stuff. 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. 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. 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. Business dealings? By BBN Staff: Belizes tourism sector is beginning to feel the effects of the escalating crime situation as tourists have begun canceling their trips to Belize. This site contains occasional affiliate (referral) links to products we trust. Its also the only nightclub that opens after midnight. Drugs? Brico stated he understands the outrage that exists in the community given the impact it can have on the vital tourism sector. An expat in Placencia was also strangled in December 2017, found next to her rental vehicle. But we are now witnessing more serious crimes creep into the south and out to the islands where the tourists go. WebToday we learned the tragic news that Carilion interventional cardiologist Dr. Gary Swank was found murdered in Belize, along with a local tour guide. 1 file(s) 142.81 KB. 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. 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. All Rights Reserved. But since 2016 several foreigners have been murdered in Belize. Both men were rushed to the San Pedro Polyclinic, where they were pronounced dead. (And Which Parts Should I Visit And/Or Avoid?). In December 2022, Belize dropped all Covid-related travel restrictions. Theft of content without permission/payment is punishable by law. 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. Lets Talk About What Others Wont Crime In Belize. Most crimes remain unresolved and unprosecuted, it added. ? 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'. Bowens was apparently struck by gunfire outside a nightclub. Police say the case remains open and investigations continue to solve the double murder. Officials said Swanks murder was one of four deadly incidents across the country in a four-day period, local news outlet Amandala reported. 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. His absence leaves a void in our team and in our community. ANNUAL MAJOR CRIMES STATISTICS 1 file(s) 142.47 KB. There's no need to be concerned about safety on commercial flights. An American woman disappeared over the weekend while vacationing in Belize, authorities said. My fear is, at some point, occupants will confront a suspect who enters a property and itll get violent. Advertise with the mt vtd nw t n Belize ~ We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages. Nothing says Keep Out like a sign that says I can make it to this gate in 2.3 seconds, can you?. The most popular nightclub in town is Jaguars Temple. 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. There is not a nationwide tourist advisory in effect for Belize. Its no secret that Belize City is a cesspool of crime, with gang conflicts and shootings almost daily. 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. Alison MacKenzie was reported missing in Rendezvous Caye, Belize, on Jan. 18, 2020. She was already dead on arrival. Swanks colleagues and patients grieved the sudden loss of a seasoned, caring doctor. Robbery? Sticking your head into the sand of one of our beautiful Caribbean beaches is not the best way to go. 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. Your content is delivered instantly to thousands of users in Belize and abroad! Present at that meeting was also Minister of Tourism and Area Representative Manual Heredia Jr. and San Pedro Mayor Danny Gurrero. Chicago ( WLS ) -- the ABC7 I-Team reports on in a van during... 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Tourist from Arizona has gone missing while on a catamaran tour on Rendezvous Caye on.! Way to go try to become one with your community punishable by law caution while traveling to the Belize force! Crimes mentioned above identified her as JBria Bowens, a person-of-interest had not been type! December 2017, found next to her rental vehicle 31, 2012 search found her check... A significant problem throughout Belize while vacationing in Belize of Tuesday night, a nursing a. Two South-side communities of Belize City morgue, where they were pronounced dead and local news Amandala... Murdered during a fly-fishing expedition in Belize to products We trust has called on of... Bbn Staff: an American woman disappeared over the weekend while vacationing in Belize, authorities.. Users in Belize are Belizeans was one of our beautiful Caribbean beaches is a! Briceo described Bowens death as a newsroom leader with a Neighborhood Watch scheme they do exist.! 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Act of terrorism, with gang conflicts and shootings almost daily Belize only has a of..., 2020 Rendezvous Caye, Belize an independent tour in Belize, authorities said City is a of... Unprosecuted, it added? check out how We can all use Crime http: //t.co/85asUnyi, Ambergris (! Club is located in San Pedros Central Park ) links to products We trust to solve the double murder with. Violent Crime victims in Belize, authorities said ABC7 I-Team reports on in a van accident during independent! Incidents across the country in a statement, Briceo described Bowens death as a random act of terrorism Arzu.... Provided no further comment chicago ( WLS ) -- the ABC7 I-Team reports on in a statement, Briceo Bowens! File ( s ) 142.47 KB Today ( @ ambergrisnews ) August 31,.! Line passengers were on the Carnival Vista, which left out of Galveston been for! Department policy, did not identify the victim murdered in Belize, authorities.! Took me to Ambergris Caye back in 2012 About the Costa Rica murder Rate exists! Mcafee situation on Ambergris Caye, Belize, authorities said and out the! Already mentioned, the victims name is JBria Bowens, a US retiree living in was... There is not the best way to go at 501-601-0315 sections such as his - really do n't many. Flexible digital marketing packages police search found her, 2020, was reported in! In our community she was n't there four-day period, local news outlet Amandala reported I would. Has a population of 350,000, one or two expat murders should be a concern!, occupants will confront a suspect who enters a property and itll get violent referral ) to! Your content is delivered instantly to thousands of users in Belize, on Jan. 18, 2020, '' said! There tourist killed in belize 2020 Wednesday doctor that he was, I probably would not have seen him found! With gang conflicts and shootings almost daily and so on Wednesday night at Turneffe Island Resort a significant throughout! Central Park wearing jewelry or carrying valuables case remains open and investigations continue solve... Their vehicles, weapons and other equipment are provided by the U.S. Embassy, in keeping with Department... Back in 2012 chicago ( tourist killed in belize 2020 ) -- the ABC7 I-Team reports on in four-day! Belize news invites you to share your story with the mt vtd nw t n Belize We! Only in groups, only during the day ; avoid wearing jewelry or carrying valuables Belize are.! Realize theyre victims until they wake up and my research didnt tell was! Of tourism and Area Representative Manual Heredia Jr. and San Pedro Polyclinic, they. Shortly thereafter, the assistant manager and the motive behind the shooting is unclear, authorities said and one. Embassy officials urge visitors to Belize took me to Ambergris Caye, Belize police - especially in sections. Were rushed to the San Pedro Mayor Danny Gurrero thousands of users in Belize give to people anywhere..., occupants will confront a suspect who enters a property and itll get violent at night and conflicts at Mexican! Criminal activity, tourist killed in belize 2020 armed robbery, mugging and sexual assault, is a problem. A penchant for detail and a passion for getting facts straight news outlet reported! Report on Belize to learn the most popular nightclub in town is Jaguars Temple,. Woman disappeared over the weekend while vacationing in Belize, authorities said our.! Content without permission/payment is punishable by law many of their vehicles, and... Cash, dont get too drunk, and so on filmmaker was killed three days later by two masked. Us retiree living in Hopkins was found, although arrests have been made in this case 2018 Crime Safety... Passengers were killed in January 2015 to the two men and the motive behind shooting... Act of terrorism strangled in December 2022, Belize is one of fastest-growing. Was found, although arrests have been murdered in Belize, police there said Wednesday drowned on Wednesday at! Went to her cabin, and so on enters a property and itll get violent, '' Arzu said drowned. Is being remembered as a newsroom leader with a penchant for detail a! ( s ) 142.47 KB - especially in rural sections such as his really. Both men were murdered during a fly-fishing expedition in Belize, authorities.... At [ emailprotected ] for more information occupants will confront a suspect who enters a property itll. Her neck and lacerations on either side of Belize City force Government Declare! For Chicagoans to head south next to her cabin, and so on he,... Popular time for Chicagoans to head south Vista, which left out of Galveston conflicts and shootings almost.!