San Pedro nightlife offers restaurants, bars and nightclubs. The San Pedro Barrier Reef. Dr. Swank was a well-respected and well-loved colleague who, each and every day, embodied the values that we hold dear. A physical check showed bruises on her neck and lacerations on either side of her head," Arzu said. At least 125 murders were committed in Belize in 2021. Its been a few years now since I moved to Belize and I think Ive assimilated well into my local community. If he had not been the type of doctor that he was, I probably would not have seen him. Business dealings? Most crimes remain unresolved and unprosecuted, it added. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. 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. U.S. Embassy officials urge visitors to Belize to travel only in groups, only during the day; avoid wearing jewelry or carrying valuables. 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. She said the support she got from other teams was 'overwhelming. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. ANNUAL CRIME-COMPARATIVE 2019-2020. However, New Orleans media outlet nola.com identified her as JBria Bowens, a nursing student a Louisiana State University. 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. "We offer our sincerest condolences to her family and loved ones on their loss," said a U.S. State Department spokesman in Washington. She was staying at the Nabitunich Farm near a tiny town called San Jose Succotz. "On the bus I felt safe but I would not want to be off the bus," said Brian Mielke, a Naperville resident. "Definitely it hits the entire industry of Belize for tourists," said Karen Pike, Belize Tourism Board. In January 2014, two American citizens were kidnapped at gunpoint from a resort area near the western border with Guatemala. 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. For further information, contact our Tourism Data Unit at the Belize Tourism Board via email "Due to privacy considerations, we have no further comment at this time.". WebUS tourist killed by gunfire in Belize. 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. All Rights Reserved. Cases of sexual assault against female travelers have also be been reported in that district. 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. 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. They were identified as Ernest Wills Sr., 49, Travis Cooke, 23, Allison Jones, 19, Jamar Martinez, 23, and Winston Santos, 40. She apparently had planned to go on a horseback expedition Thursday morning, but when the group came up one animal short, Swaney stayed behind. The US State Department confirmed the incident, but provided no further comment. The American tourist was taken to the Dr Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II. And all Americans are encouraged to register with the state department's Smart Traveler program whenever in a foreign country - a free service that allows for emergency contact. Alison MacKenzie is pictured in this undated handout photo. Track SoCal rain with LIVE Megadoppler 7000 HD, Chuck Goudie, Ann Pistone, Barb Markoff, Christine Tressel and Ross Weidner. Alison MacKenzie was reported missing in Rendezvous Caye, Belize, on Jan. 18, 2020. Content is copyrighted and requires written permission for reprinting in online or print media. The killings drew international media attention but remain unsolved. 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. 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. However, tourists are told to exercise a high degree of caution due to an increasing rate of violent crime throughout the country. 1 file(s) 142.81 KB. Tourists in Belize are often victims of theft, but few experience real violence. 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.. Its no secret that Belize City is a cesspool of crime, with gang conflicts and shootings almost daily. This story has been shared 130,601 times. Download. According to Nola.com, the victims name is JBria Bowens, a nursing student a Louisiana State University. The ninth murder this week in the country was 47-year-old Yolanda Requea, who was stabbed to death Sunday in San Ignacio. Statistics matter and how statisticsRead More A Few Words About the Costa Rica Murder Rate. Police say that Swank was killed because he was a witness to the murder of tour guide Mario Graniel. It holds a diverse number of species. Teresa Hodges, a patient of Swanks for 13 years, told the outlet she was devastated to hear what had happened. 1 file(s) 146.10 KB. Your content is delivered instantly to thousands of users in Belize and abroad! But we are now witnessing more serious crimes creep into the south and out to the islands where the tourists 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. "What we say to all tourists is that you should be situationally aware, be cautious and just be aware of your surroundings," Pike said. 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. They told the owner who called the police. 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 Alison Mackenzie, 43, went missing early Saturday Posted: Friday, June 28, 2019. 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. He saved my life and every time I went to his office, he was a very knowledgeable, patient and caring person, she said. In January 2016, a vacationing news anchor from Chicago died in Cayo District. Email us at [emailprotected] for more information. 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'. He said the attackers used an assault rifle and the intended target had been a local gang leader. She was reported missing in Rendezvous Caye, Belize, on Jan. 18, 2020. (And Which Parts Should I Visit And/Or Avoid?). "A horse riding tour returned in the afternoon and found her personal effects on the deck. The man, a Guatemalan national, maintains he was just fishing and was not involved in her death, police said. Tourism Review. In a statement, Briceo described Bowens death as a random act of terrorism. 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? 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. 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. Download. 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. News. Criminals often operate in groups and target persons traveling alone. But since 2016 several foreigners have been murdered in Belize. Central America stories, info, news, and opinion coming to you from local and expat writers in Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama. Authorities say its complicated because of the proximity to the Guatemala border. But our colleague wasn't the only American killed recently in Belize. WebThere have been a few high-profile murders of tourists and expatriates. Both men were rushed to the San Pedro Polyclinic, where they were pronounced dead. The gunmen began shooting at a group of people who were partying at Jaguars nightclub. This story has been shared 130,601 times. The question is, will they stick? 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. This site contains occasional affiliate (referral) links to products we trust. By BBN Staff: An American national drowned on Wednesday night at Turneffe Island Resort. 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.". "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. Columbus-area measles outbreak was the nation's largest in 2022. Until recently, the only notable murder involvement by a US citizen was the bizarre John McAfee situation on Ambergris Caye back in 2012. Read more of Garys work on his blog. Tourism Review Online Magazine 1 / 2020. Posted: Thursday, November 26, 2020. 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. Download. Jacqueline Abad, 53, and Sara Like the previous cases mentioned, no leads or convictions, which seems to be the norm. (And Which Parts Should I Visit And/Or Avoid?). Plan is to increase Police Presence and Power of Authority. Brico stated he understands the outrage that exists in the community given the impact it can have on the vital tourism sector. However, New Orleans media outlet nola.com identified her as JBria Bowens, a nursing student a Louisiana State University. Shortly thereafter, the assistant manager and the bartender went to look for her. The rash of violence follows what officials said have been months of deadly crimes in the beach oasis. We are heartbroken at his loss. He said the attackers used an assault rifle and the intended target had been a local gang leader. This looked suspicious, so they went to her cabin, and she wasn't there. 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. 2019, BreakingBelizeNews.com. Police say the case remains open and investigations continue to solve the double murder. Hes part of my life.. 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. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? My first trip to Belize took me to Ambergris Caye and my research told me the usual stuff. WebThe police spokesperson told ABC News that the investigation is ongoing and nothing has been ruled out. Bowens was apparently struck by gunfire outside a nightclub. In Central America, Belize is one of the fastest-growing destinations for Americans. 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 ", "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. 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. PHOTOS: Anne Elizabeth McComb Swaney, 1976-2016. Please email us your news at [emailprotected]. Juan reported her missing Thursday afternoon. #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. Boys basketball: Check out the Section 9 tournament brackets, FAMU basketball splits even with Southern in homecourt finale doubleheader. 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. There has been a noted increase in violent crime targeting tourists since the end of 2013. 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. This is the generic advice Id give to people traveling anywhere. And in May 2015, two American men were murdered in a suspected drug-related armed robbery. 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