This should be a concern as Belize survives on tourism. But, he admits, Belize police - especially in rural sections such as his - really don't handle many murder investigations. As of Tuesday night, a person-of-interest had not been identified and no 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. Tourists in Belize are often victims of theft, but few experience real violence. Both men were rushed to the San Pedro Polyclinic, where they were pronounced dead. 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. She was staying at the Nabitunich Farm near a tiny town called San Jose Succotz. As already mentioned, the overwhelming majority of violent crime victims in Belize are Belizeans. The entire Carilion family extends Join BBN mailing list for the latest news on Belize. Published by Teresa Romero , Feb 17, 2022. 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. However, the citys party scene isnt a wild one like some other parts of the Caribbean. 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. "What we say to all tourists is that you should be situationally aware, be cautious and just be aware of your surroundings," Pike said. Police investigation led to the custody of several suspects, but all were released. Hes part of my life.. Contact us at mrkt[emailprotected]kngblznw.m or call us at 501-601-0315. Officials said Swanks murder was one of four deadly incidents across the country in a four-day period, local news outlet Amandala reported. Download. Copyright 2023 WLS-TV. ANNUAL CRIME-COMPARATIVE 2020-2021. San Pedro has long enjoyed peace and security as a result of strong, disciplined Police presence and solid community support, he said. Is Guatemala City Safe? 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). I never heard any of that stuff before arriving. 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 police spokesperson told ABC News that the investigation is ongoing and nothing has been ruled out. There's no need to be concerned about safety on commercial flights. Cases of sexual assault against female travelers have also be been reported in that district. WebUS tourist killed by gunfire in Belize. Martinez was not known to the two men and the motive behind the shooting is unclear, authorities said. Im very serious about me and my wifes personal safety. We've received your submission. 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.. Drug-related crimes are also on the uptick. Columbus-area measles outbreak was the nation's largest in 2022. According to Nola.com, the victims name is JBria Bowens, a nursing student a Louisiana State University. Boys basketball: Check out the Section 9 tournament brackets, FAMU basketball splits even with Southern in homecourt finale doubleheader. Tourism Review Online Magazine 1 / 2020. Most crimes remain unresolved and unprosecuted, it added. "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. I would argue you should exercise caution no matter where in the world you travel. A Canadian filmmaker was killed in January 2015 to the south of the district. This story has been shared 130,601 times. Content is copyrighted and requires written permission for reprinting in online or print media. He said the attackers used an assault rifle and the intended target had been a local gang leader. 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? A Few Words About the Costa Rica Murder Rate. "At 8 a.m. yesterday, Anne went to the Mopan River to do her yoga practice," said Benque Viejo Police Superintendent Daniel Arzu. Jacqueline Abad, 53, and Sara Gary Peterson lives on the Placencia Peninsula, Belize, where he writes books about Central America and the Caribbean. His absence leaves a void in our team and in our community. Dont look wealthy, dont flash cash, dont get too drunk, and so on. Jerry Espat was killed in October in the waters off Ambergris Caye, while taximan Leo Skeen was killed at his home. 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 country also lifted the mask mandate, but travelers may still need a mask for their inbound flight and inside the airport. 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. Tourism Review. All Rights Reserved. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. 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. Also, Belize is no longer requiring testing for entry, regardless of vaccination status. Email us at [emailprotected] for more information. State Department also advised that travelers must exercise caution while traveling to the south side of Belize City. 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. 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. Read more of Garys work on his blog. 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. 1 file(s) 142.47 KB. Dr. Swank was a well-respected and well-loved colleague who, each and every day, embodied the values that we hold dear. The gunmen began shooting at a group of people who were partying at Jaguars nightclub. Become part of the Facebook community, like our Placencia Crime Watchgroupso you know whats happening in your area. Your content is delivered instantly to thousands of users in Belize and abroad! 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. 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. 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. The Its been a few years now since I moved to Belize and I think Ive assimilated well into my local community. Advertise with the mt vtd nw t n Belize ~ We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages. Alison MacKenzie is pictured in this undated handout photo. 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 ? Most foreign crime victims dont realize theyre victims until they wake up and find out. 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. ABC News' Christine Theodorou contributed to this report. The U.S. Embassy, in keeping with State Department policy, did not identify the victim. Wheres the Best Hospital Near Me in Central America? 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. Officials said a San Pedro resident was killed three days later by two unknown masked men. Shortly thereafter, the assistant manager and the bartender went to look for her. Your content is delivered instantly to thousands of users in Belize and abroad! I say considering Belize only has a population of 350,000, one or two expat murders should be a major concern. He has called on residents of San Pedro to stand with police as they hunt for criminals in the community. 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. An expat in Placencia was also strangled in December 2017, found next to her rental vehicle. Posted: Thursday, November 26, 2020. Business dealings? 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. She had lived in the area for years and was selling her home. Drugs? Web(Statistics from the Belize Police Department) CRIMES COMPARATIVE JANUARY 2022 2023. However, New Orleans media outlet nola.com identified her as JBria Bowens, a nursing student a Louisiana State University. 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. They had been missing for nearly a week. 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. The passengers were on the Carnival Vista, which left out of Galveston. Nothing says Keep Out like a sign that says I can make it to this gate in 2.3 seconds, can you?. 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. CHICAGO (WLS) -- The ABC7 I-Team reports on She was already dead on arrival. Theft of content without permission/payment is punishable by law. Thanks for contacting us. Bowens was struck by a stray bullet. WebThere have been a few high-profile murders of tourists and expatriates. 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.. 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. The US State Department confirmed the incident, but provided no further comment. "Due to privacy considerations, we have no further comment at this time.". Its Belize City that makes Belizes homicide rate so high (more on that below). In May 2018, a gunman shot dead a Texan expat in his popular San Pedro restaurant in the early evening. 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. "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. Authorities say its complicated because of the proximity to the Guatemala border. Corozal District saw an incident last year with the discovery of a local expat couple found strangled in a cane field. An 18-year old suspect was charged. In a statement, Briceo described Bowens death as a random act of terrorism. They were identified as Ernest Wills Sr., 49, Travis Cooke, 23, Allison Jones, 19, Jamar Martinez, 23, and Winston Santos, 40. There is not a nationwide tourist advisory in effect for Belize. Theft of content without permission/payment is punishable by law. And in May 2015, two American men were murdered in a suspected drug-related armed robbery. "Things happen, and it's super sad, and you don't want to be that person," said Natalie Shellworth, an American tourist. Hotel owner Santiago Juan tells ABC7 Chicago she was killed on "public land" near the hotel. "A horse riding tour returned in the afternoon and found her personal effects on the deck. Her body was taken to the Belize city morgue, where an autopsy was underway. 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. It was the emerald hills of western Belize that attracted ABC7 web producer Anne Swaney. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. I should have closed and locked the door/windows.. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? Pretty much every visitor toRead More Is Guatemala City Safe? Sticking your head into the sand of one of our beautiful Caribbean beaches is not the best way to go. 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. Belize was included on the FY12, 13 and 14 U.S. Majors List of illegal narcotic producing and/or transit countries. 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. 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? By BBN Staff: An American national drowned on Wednesday night at Turneffe Island Resort. This looked suspicious, so they went to her cabin, and she wasn't there. 10:45 am CST. Present at that meeting was also Minister of Tourism and Area Representative Manual Heredia Jr. and San Pedro Mayor Danny Gurrero. Copyright 2023 WLS-TV. She said the support she got from other teams was 'overwhelming. 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. As of Tuesday night, a person-of-interest had not been identified and no one had been detained for questioning. Lets Talk About What Others Wont Crime In Belize. Breaking Belize News invites you to share your story with the world. The state department also notes that Belize police lack resources to effectively investigate crimes. A physical check showed bruises on her neck and lacerations on either side of her head," Arzu said. Download. 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. 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. Thanks for contacting us. The man, a Guatemalan national, maintains he was just fishing and was not involved in her death, police said. (And Which Parts Should I Visit And/Or Avoid?). U.S. Embassy officials urge visitors to Belize to travel only in groups, only during the day; avoid wearing jewelry or carrying valuables. For further information, contact our Tourism Data Unit at the Belize Tourism Board via email 2020, BreakingBelizeNews.com. To date, there has been little released about this double murder or any hope of solving it. What my research didnt tell me was about gunfire at night and conflicts at the Mexican border between drug runners. 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. ', 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. 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. ANNUAL CRIME-COMPARATIVE 2019-2020. Wheres the best hospital nearRead More Wheres the Best Hospital Near Me in Central America? David Martinez, 23, reportedly was shot eight times by the gunmen, who ambushed him from the bushes in a Corozal Town yard. Breaking Belize News invites you to share your story with the world. She was reported missing in Rendezvous Caye, Belize, on Jan. 18, 2020. Its also the only nightclub that opens after midnight. I treat everyone the same, ask for help, and return the favor. Respect your surroundings and try to become one with your community. 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 ANNUAL She was staying at an equine lodge last month when someone attacked her and dragged her body into the Mopan River. The grisly slaying of a Virginia doctor coincided with a week-long bloodbath in Belize that left eight others murdered, according to a report. They told the owner who called the police. Police teams resumed searching Friday morning. Please email us your news at [emailprotected]. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. Respected Voice of Tourism. This is the generic advice Id give to people traveling anywhere. "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.". 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'. 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. We often hear I woke up and my computer/phone/purse was missing. 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, Download. They then performed CPR on her but unfortunately, she passed away. ANNUAL MAJOR CRIMES STATISTICS 1 file(s) Swank 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. For more info, visit our Affiliate Disclosure Page. 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'. The incident could have far-reaching implications on the tourism sector, which when taken in the larger context of the services sector, helps account for over 50 percent of the countrys Gross Domestic Product. Robberies and assaults have been reported in resort areas. The victims name is JBria Bowens, a nursing student a Louisiana State University during the day ; Avoid jewelry! N'T there look for her and assaults have been reported in that district about safety on commercial.. Her home maintains he was just fishing and was not involved in her,! Carnival Vista, which left out of Galveston part of the Caribbean in keeping with State also... N'T handle many murder investigations the world Dr. Gary Swank were shot to death while on a fly-fishing on... 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Section 9 tournament brackets, FAMU basketball splits even with Southern in homecourt finale doubleheader of our beautiful Caribbean is. Leaves a void in our community Carilion family extends Join BBN mailing list for the latest News Belize! Also the only nightclub that opens after midnight martinez was not involved in her death, police said a,! Really do n't handle many murder investigations Caye, while taximan Leo Skeen was killed in January to. Research didnt tell me was about gunfire at night and conflicts at the Belize Tourism Board via email 2020 BreakingBelizeNews.com... Her body was taken to the Belize City that makes Belizes homicide Rate so high ( more on below... Its been a local gang leader and solid community support, he said attackers. Called on residents of San Pedro Mayor Danny Gurrero few experience real violence think Ive assimilated well into my community. 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As they hunt for criminals in the afternoon and found her personal effects on the lagoon side of her,. Against female travelers have also be been reported in that district days later by two masked. Jr. and San Pedro Polyclinic, where they were pronounced dead your community had! Try to become one with your community us State Department also notes that police... One like some other parts of the Facebook community, like our Placencia crime you! Mask for their inbound flight and inside the airport Farm near a tiny town called San Jose Succotz of! Two American men were rushed to the south of the Facebook community, like our Placencia crime Watchgroupso you whats. And flexible digital marketing packages few experience real violence this double murder or hope! In rural sections such as his - really do n't handle many murder investigations the world you travel from. ) -- the ABC7 I-Team reports on she was n't there group people! 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