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? Thanks for contacting us. Sticking your head into the sand of one of our beautiful Caribbean beaches is not the best way to go. An autopsy shows that an American news producer found dead while staying in a vacation resort in Belize was strangled. Our meeting first meeting was in the ER, Saunders said. 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. 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 ANNUAL Its Belize City that makes Belizes homicide rate so high (more on that below). "What we say to all tourists is that you should be situationally aware, be cautious and just be aware of your surroundings," Pike said. The U.S. Embassy, in keeping with State Department policy, did not identify the victim. 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. 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. Both men went into the water to rescue her. Track SoCal rain with LIVE Megadoppler 7000 HD, Chuck Goudie, Ann Pistone, Barb Markoff, Christine Tressel and Ross Weidner. 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, Local police lack the resources and training to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents. WebA tourist from Arizona has gone missing while on a catamaran tour on Rendezvous Caye in Belize, police there said Wednesday. Most foreign crime victims dont realize theyre victims until they wake up and find out. Remember, were only talking about foreigners murdered here. Also, Belize is no longer requiring testing for entry, regardless of vaccination status. Her body was taken to the Belize city morgue, where an autopsy was underway. "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.". Alison MacKenzie, 43, was reported missing in Rendezvous Caye on Saturday. Crime Stoppers Belize says WE can be more active in the fight against CRIME! 4:50 pm CST. The most popular nightclub in town is Jaguars Temple. Police say that Swank was killed because he was a witness to the murder of tour guide Mario Graniel. The San Pedro Barrier Reef. In January 2014, two American citizens were kidnapped at gunpoint from a resort area near the western border with Guatemala. The killings drew international media attention but remain unsolved. 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. And then just this month, a US retiree living in Hopkins was found, although arrests have been made in this case. 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. Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. There is not a nationwide tourist advisory in effect for Belize. However, New Orleans media outlet nola.com identified her as JBria Bowens, a nursing student a Louisiana State University. 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. Download. WebCosta Rica Sarcasm & Fun. This is the generic advice Id give to people traveling anywhere. We've received your submission. Contact us at mrkt[emailprotected]kngblznw.m or call us at 501-601-0315. The U.S. Embassy, in keeping with State Department policy, did not identify the victim. The man, a Guatemalan national, maintains he was just fishing and was not involved in her death, police said. They had been missing for nearly a week. News. All Rights Reserved. Download. The U.S. Embassy, in keeping with State Department policy, did not identify the victim. By BBN Staff: An American national drowned on Wednesday night at Turneffe Island Resort. 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. 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. "At 8 a.m. yesterday, Anne went to the Mopan River to do her yoga practice," said Benque Viejo Police Superintendent Daniel Arzu. I never heard any of that stuff before arriving. 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. This site contains occasional affiliate (referral) links to products we trust. Alison Mackenzie, 43, went missing early Saturday 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. Download. The grisly slaying of a Virginia doctor coincided with a week-long bloodbath in Belize that left eight others murdered, according to a report. 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. San Pedro Town is the one and only town on the popular Caribbean island of Ambergris Caye, Belize. The 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, Associated Press reported. Download. Bowens was apparently struck by gunfire outside a nightclub. Theft of content without permission/payment is punishable by law. ', 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. "Things happen, and it's super sad, and you don't want to be that person," said Natalie Shellworth, an American tourist. 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. But our colleague wasn't the only American killed recently in Belize. Police say the case remains open and investigations continue to solve the double murder. Tourism Review Online Magazine 1 / 2020. 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. 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. This stretch of winter into Spring Break is a popular time for Chicagoans to head south. Bowens was apparently struck by gunfire outside a nightclub. 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'. "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. This looked suspicious, so they went to her cabin, and she wasn't there. 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. Dr. Swank was a well-respected and well-loved colleague who, each and every day, embodied the values that we hold dear. Theft of content without permission/payment is punishable by law. What my research didnt tell me was about gunfire at night and conflicts at the Mexican border between drug runners. The commander in charge of the Anne Swaney investigation says he received training in the U.S. from the FBI. But we are now witnessing more serious crimes creep into the south and out to the islands where the tourists go. WebThere have been a few high-profile murders of tourists and expatriates. She was staying at the Nabitunich Farm near a tiny town called San Jose Succotz. A Virginia doctor and his tour guide were murdered during a fly-fishing expedition in Belize, authorities said. Thomas and his wife operate a resort miles up a rough road in western Belize where the I-Team headquartered while reporting the story. She said the support she got from other teams was 'overwhelming. Our thoughts, prayers and attention are now focused on helping his family navigate this difficult time.. 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. Email us at [emailprotected] for more information. 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. https://t.co/EWrcbLmyKs, Que Pasa Corozal (@QuePasaCorozal) September 1, 2018. A physical check showed bruises on her neck and lacerations on either side of her head," Arzu said. ? Jacqueline Abad, 53, and Sara 2020, BreakingBelizeNews.com. 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. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. For more info, visit our Affiliate Disclosure Page. Increased level of Crime in Two South-side communities of Belize City force Government to Declare a State of Emergency in the areas. As of Tuesday night, a person-of-interest had not been identified and no 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? Lets Talk About What Others Wont Crime In Belize. Copyright 2023 WLS-TV. 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.". 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. Contact us at mrkt[emailprotected]kngblznw.m or call us at 501-601-0315. Belize Prime Minister John Briceo confirmed that police have arrested a number of persons in connection with the murder of the American tourist. The police spokesperson told ABC News that the investigation is ongoing and nothing has been ruled out. See the State Departments travel website for the Worldwide Caution and Travel Advisories. 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. 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. 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. Cases of sexual assault against female travelers have also be been reported in that district. 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.. They told the owner who called the police. If he had not been the type of doctor that he was, I probably would not have seen him. We are fed up of the press conferences and constant claims that show crime is decreasing, said John Briceno, leader of the Peoples United Party. Shortly thereafter, the assistant manager and the bartender went to look for her. Again, little news about this case or any arrests or convictions so far. (And Which Parts Should I Visit And/Or Avoid?). Dont look wealthy, dont flash cash, dont get too drunk, and so on. Your content is delivered instantly to thousands of users in Belize and abroad! Wheres the best hospital nearRead More Wheres the Best Hospital Near Me in Central America? WebThe police spokesperson told ABC News that the investigation is ongoing and nothing has been ruled out. "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. Drug-related crimes are also on the uptick. The question is, will they stick? 10:45 am CST. 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 They then performed CPR on her but unfortunately, she passed away. Its been a few years now since I moved to Belize and I think Ive assimilated well into my local community. 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.. Is Guatemala City Safe? 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. WebTwo Carnival Cruise Line passengers were killed in a van accident during an independent tour in Belize. In May 2018, a gunman shot dead a Texan expat in his popular San Pedro restaurant in the early evening. 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. The state department also notes that Belize police lack resources to effectively investigate crimes. 2019, BreakingBelizeNews.com. WebBelow find the latest compiled statistical information on the Tourism Industry in Belize. Police investigation led to the custody of several suspects, but all were released. 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. Criminals often operate in groups and target persons traveling alone. Check out how we can all use Crime http://t.co/85asUnyi, Ambergris Today (@ambergrisnews) August 31, 2012. "A horse riding tour returned in the afternoon and found her personal effects on the deck. She was staying at an equine lodge last month when someone attacked her and dragged her body into the Mopan River. Robberies and assaults have been reported in resort areas. 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. 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. Officials said a San Pedro resident was killed three days later by two unknown masked men. The entire Carilion family extends 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. 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. State Department also advised that travelers must exercise caution while traveling to the south side of Belize City. 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). When they arrived near the seaside, they heard Nevis screaming for help. 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. Swaney is being remembered as a newsroom leader with a penchant for detail and a passion for getting facts straight. 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. I should have closed and locked the door/windows.. 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 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. ANNUAL MAJOR CRIMES STATISTICS 1 file(s) 142.47 KB. Who knows the circumstances of these crimes mentioned above. Like the previous cases mentioned, no leads or convictions, which seems to be the norm. 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. Tourism Review. 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. WebA Virginia doctor and his tour guide were murdered during a fly-fishing expedition in Belize, authorities said. "Definitely it hits the entire industry of Belize for tourists," said Karen Pike, Belize Tourism Board. Advertise with the mt vtd nw t n Belize ~ We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages. U.S. Embassy officials urge visitors to Belize to travel only in groups, only during the day; avoid wearing jewelry or carrying valuables. 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. "At 8:15 a.m. (Friday) the police search found her. Alison MacKenzie was reported missing in Rendezvous Caye, Belize, on Jan. 18, 2020. According to Nola.com, the victims name is JBria Bowens, a nursing student a Louisiana State University. The transit of drugs, particularly cocaine and precursor chemicals for methamphetamine, has risen. Authorities say its complicated because of the proximity to the Guatemala border. This should be a concern as Belize survives on tourism. In January 2016, a vacationing news anchor from Chicago died in Cayo District. However, the Prime Minister emphasized that San Pedro remains a safe place for people to visit. Join BBN mailing list for the latest news on Belize. Your content is delivered instantly to thousands of users in Belize and abroad! "We offer our sincerest condolences to her family and loved ones on their loss," said a U.S. State Department spokesman in Washington. A Few Words About the Costa Rica Murder Rate. ", "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. I treat everyone the same, ask for help, and return the favor. An American woman disappeared over the weekend while vacationing in Belize, authorities said. My first trip to Belize took me to Ambergris Caye and my research told me the usual stuff. We are heartbroken at his loss. The club is located in San Pedros Central Park. 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. An expat in Placencia was also strangled in December 2017, found next to her rental vehicle. As already mentioned, the overwhelming majority of violent crime victims in Belize are Belizeans. To date, there has been little released about this double murder or any hope of solving it. And in May 2015, two American men were murdered in a suspected drug-related armed robbery. 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. He said the attackers used an assault rifle and the intended target had been a local gang leader. WebCHICAGO -- 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. Results of an autopsy are pending at the Belize City Morgue, local police said. San Pedro has long enjoyed peace and security as a result of strong, disciplined Police presence and solid community support, he said. 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. MEXICO CITY (AP) 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. 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. "On the bus I felt safe but I would not want to be off the bus," said Brian Mielke, a Naperville resident. In the Cayo District, armed robberies occasionally occur near the western border with Guatemala, especially near Caracol to the south. He has called on residents of San Pedro to stand with police as they hunt for criminals in the community. Read more of Garys work on his blog. At least 125 murders were committed in Belize in 2021. ?Check out OSACs 2018 Crime and Safety Report on Belize to learn the most up-to-date traveler security information. This story has been shared 130,601 times. In a statement, Briceo described Bowens death as a random act of terrorism. Pretty much every visitor toRead More Is Guatemala City Safe? Web(Statistics from the Belize Police Department) CRIMES COMPARATIVE JANUARY 2022 2023. Swanks colleagues and patients grieved the sudden loss of a seasoned, caring doctor. 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. #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. Police here do have a fairly high street presence. Content is copyrighted and requires written permission for reprinting in online or print media. Alison MacKenzie is pictured in this undated handout photo. I sold a house there last year because I was tired There's no need to be concerned about safety on commercial flights. Martinez was not known to the two men and the motive behind the shooting is unclear, authorities said. Corozal District saw an incident last year with the discovery of a local expat couple found strangled in a cane field. Robbery? 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. The country also lifted the mask mandate, but travelers may still need a mask for their inbound flight and inside the airport. 1 file(s) 142.81 KB. CHICAGO (WLS) -- The ABC7 I-Team reports on Until recently, the only notable murder involvement by a US citizen was the bizarre John McAfee situation on Ambergris Caye back in 2012. 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'. If youre moving here, get involved with a Neighborhood Watch scheme they do exist here. pic.twitter.com/94qBPRi2F4, Belize.com (@Belizean) December 31, 2022. Or were they just in the wrong place at the wrong time? Only three percent of Belize homicides result in convictions. All Rights Reserved. It holds a diverse number of species. Our house is secure, with solid windows, doors, locks, outside lights and more. 1 file(s) 146.10 KB. As the most-visited destination in the country, San Pedro is home to the second-largest barrier reed in the world. What about now? Download. Join BBN mailing list for the latest news on Belize. This murder remains unsolved. My fear is, at some point, occupants will confront a suspect who enters a property and itll get violent. Authorities said Swaney was taken to San Ignacio Hospital in Belize, where she was pronounced dead. 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. ABC News' Christine Theodorou contributed to this report. ANNUAL CRIME-COMPARATIVE 2020-2021. Email us at [emailprotected] for more information. David Martinez, 23, reportedly was shot eight times by the gunmen, who ambushed him from the bushes in a Corozal Town yard. 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. 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Officials said Swanks murder was one of four deadly incidents across the country in a four-day period, local news outlet Amandala reported. Columbus-area measles outbreak was the nation's largest in 2022. 1 file(s) 142.47 KB. Content is copyrighted and requires written permission for reprinting in online or print media. 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. Briceo has directed Police Commissioner Chester Williams to lead the investigation into her death. Hotel owner Santiago Juan tells ABC7 Chicago she was killed on "public land" near the hotel. Hes part of my life.. Brico stated he understands the outrage that exists in the community given the impact it can have on the vital tourism sector. His absence leaves a void in our team and in our community. 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.
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