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. Swank and his tour guide, Mario Nestle Graniel Jr., 53, were killed during a fly-fishing expedition in the San Pedro Town lagoon five days after a group of five fishermen were shot to death in Swallow Caye. In October 2022, the U.S. State Department listed Belize as a Level 2 travel advisory for Belize. An autopsy shows that an American news producer found dead while staying in a vacation resort in Belize was strangled. She was already dead on arrival. Copyright 2023 WLS-TV. 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. The I-Team traveled to Central America after Anne was killed. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. She was staying at the Nabitunich Farm near a tiny town called San Jose Succotz. Our thoughts, prayers and attention are now focused on helping his family navigate this difficult time.. Dr. Swank was a well-respected and well-loved colleague who, each and every day, embodied the values that we hold dear. If youre moving here, get involved with a Neighborhood Watch scheme they do exist here. 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. Download. As of Tuesday night, a person-of-interest had not been identified and no Dont look wealthy, dont flash cash, dont get too drunk, and so on. I treat everyone the same, ask for help, and return the favor. Hes part of my life.. 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. State Department also advised that travelers must exercise caution while traveling to the south side of Belize City. Remember, were only talking about foreigners murdered here. This story has been shared 130,601 times. 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. The question is, will they stick? Jacqueline Abad, 53, and Sara The country also lifted the mask mandate, but travelers may still need a mask for their inbound flight and inside the airport. In a statement, Briceo described Bowens death as a random act of terrorism. Also, Belize is no longer requiring testing for entry, regardless of vaccination status. Plan is to increase Police Presence and Power of Authority. A Canadian filmmaker was killed in January 2015 to the south of the district. Authorities said Swaney was taken to San Ignacio Hospital in Belize, where she was pronounced dead. pic.twitter.com/94qBPRi2F4, Belize.com (@Belizean) December 31, 2022. Read it here: https://t.co/crTR6zsohu. Email us at [emailprotected] for more information. Police teams resumed searching Friday morning. 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. For more info, visit our Affiliate Disclosure Page. WebTwo Carnival Cruise Line passengers were killed in a van accident during an independent tour in Belize. "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. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? Respected Voice of Tourism. An expat in Placencia was also strangled in December 2017, found next to her rental vehicle. 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. We've received your submission. Thanks for contacting us. 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. He said the attackers used an assault rifle and the intended target had been a local gang leader. Statistics matter and how statisticsRead More A Few Words About the Costa Rica Murder Rate. 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. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. When they arrived near the seaside, they heard Nevis screaming for help. The most popular nightclub in town is Jaguars Temple. Cases of sexual assault against female travelers have also be been reported in that district. "At 8 a.m. yesterday, Anne went to the Mopan River to do her yoga practice," said Benque Viejo Police Superintendent Daniel Arzu. 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 Central America, Belize is one of the fastest-growing destinations for Americans. Belize Prime Minister John Briceo confirmed that police have arrested a number of persons in connection with the murder of the American tourist. 2020, BreakingBelizeNews.com. Read more of Garys work on his blog. Present at that meeting was also Minister of Tourism and Area Representative Manual Heredia Jr. and San Pedro Mayor Danny Gurrero. WebBelow find the latest compiled statistical information on the Tourism Industry in Belize. In May 2018, a gunman shot dead a Texan expat in his popular San Pedro restaurant in the early evening. He said the attackers used an assault rifle and the intended target had been a local gang leader. Email us at [emailprotected] for more 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. 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). Tourism Review Online Magazine 1 / 2020. 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. Drug-related crimes are also on the uptick. "What we say to all tourists is that you should be situationally aware, be cautious and just be aware of your surroundings," Pike said. Gary Peterson lives on the Placencia Peninsula, Belize, where he writes books about Central America and the Caribbean. One was Canadian and the other from the US. 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. Jerry Espat was killed in October in the waters off Ambergris Caye, while taximan Leo Skeen was killed at his home. Posted: Thursday, November 26, 2020. "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. WebCosta Rica Sarcasm & Fun. 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. 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. Join BBN mailing list for the latest news on Belize. Her body was taken to the Belize city morgue, where an autopsy was underway. However, New Orleans media outlet nola.com identified her as JBria Bowens, a nursing student a Louisiana State University. Criminals often operate in groups and target persons traveling alone. The Belize Consulate in Washington, DC, called the shooting tragic, but told WSLS that it needed to find out more before it could comment. 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.. We are heartbroken at his loss. Contact us at mrkt[emailprotected]kngblznw.m or call us at 501-601-0315. Robberies and assaults have been reported in resort areas. Crime is an issue which should never be made political, its a problem that requires all sectors of society to fight it together.. In December 2022, Belize dropped all Covid-related travel restrictions. 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. Thanks for contacting us. The best thing you can have at home to keep you safe is a big dog. Police say the case remains open and investigations continue to solve the double murder. Most crimes remain unresolved and unprosecuted, it added. A physical check showed bruises on her neck and lacerations on either side of her head," Arzu said. 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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 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. https://t.co/FQFt9PRVaS, Stars and Stripes (@starsandstripes) May 30, 2018. "Things happen, and it's super sad, and you don't want to be that person," said Natalie Shellworth, an American tourist. As already mentioned, the overwhelming majority of violent crime victims in Belize are Belizeans. 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. The transit of drugs, particularly cocaine and precursor chemicals for methamphetamine, has risen. The US State Department confirmed the incident, but provided no further comment. Officials said Swanks murder was one of four deadly incidents across the country in a four-day period, local news outlet Amandala reported. 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. 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I say considering Belize only has a population of 350,000, one or two expat murders should be a major concern. The police spokesperson told ABC News that the investigation is ongoing and nothing has been ruled out. I never heard any of that stuff before arriving. Respect your surroundings and try to become one with your community. 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. We often hear I woke up and my computer/phone/purse was missing. Im very serious about me and my wifes personal safety. All Rights Reserved. Posted: Friday, June 28, 2019. The ninth murder this week in the country was 47-year-old Yolanda Requea, who was stabbed to death Sunday in San Ignacio. "Definitely it hits the entire industry of Belize for tourists," said Karen Pike, Belize Tourism Board. https://t.co/EWrcbLmyKs, Que Pasa Corozal (@QuePasaCorozal) September 1, 2018. Both men were rushed to the San Pedro Polyclinic, where they were pronounced dead. Content is copyrighted and requires written permission for reprinting in online or print media. This murder remains unsolved. I sold a house there last year because I was tired 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. Local police lack the resources and training to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents. What about now? One of the primary industries in the town is tourism, most notably scuba diving. WebToday we learned the tragic news that Carilion interventional cardiologist Dr. Gary Swank was found murdered in Belize, along with a local tour guide. The man, a Guatemalan national, maintains he was just fishing and was not involved in her death, police said. Until recently, the only notable murder involvement by a US citizen was the bizarre John McAfee situation on Ambergris Caye back in 2012. 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. Thomas and his wife operate a resort miles up a rough road in western Belize where the I-Team headquartered while reporting the story. ", "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. Web(Statistics from the Belize Police Department) CRIMES COMPARATIVE JANUARY 2022 2023. 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. 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. But I heard all these stories on Ambergris Caye and my protective nature kicked my alertness up two notches while I was there. Copyright 2023 WLS-TV. Teresa Hodges, a patient of Swanks for 13 years, told the outlet she was devastated to hear what had happened. Tourists in Belize are often victims of theft, but few experience real violence. 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. 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. 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. Briceo has directed Police Commissioner Chester Williams to lead the investigation into her death. And then just this month, a US retiree living in Hopkins was found, although arrests have been made in this case. I would argue you should exercise caution no matter where in the world you travel. The club is located in San Pedros Central Park. About bodies floating to shore and military personnel walking the beaches with automatic weapons. Download. But we are now witnessing more serious crimes creep into the south and out to the islands where the tourists go. 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. 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. Please email us your news at [emailprotected]. His absence leaves a void in our team and in our community. Hotel owner Santiago Juan tells ABC7 Chicago she was killed on "public land" near the hotel. Police say that Swank was killed because he was a witness to the murder of tour guide Mario Graniel. The entire Carilion family extends What my research didnt tell me was about gunfire at night and conflicts at the Mexican border between drug runners. All Rights Reserved. The San Pedro Barrier Reef. Officials said a San Pedro resident was killed three days later by two unknown masked men. "We 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. The 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.. My first trip to Belize took me to Ambergris Caye and my research told me the usual stuff. Your content is delivered instantly to thousands of users in Belize and abroad! PHOTOS: Anne Elizabeth McComb Swaney, 1976-2016. A problem that requires all sectors of society to fight it together please email us at [ emailprotected kngblznw.m... Further comment Karen Pike, Belize dropped all Covid-related travel restrictions was there mrkt [ ]. Latest compiled statistical information on the Placencia Peninsula, Belize is one the! 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Years, told the outlet she was devastated to hear what had happened is no longer requiring testing for,! After Anne was killed on `` public land '' near the hotel have at home to keep you safe a. There has been ruled out exercise caution no matter where in the country in a statement, Briceo Bowens! U.S. State Department also advised that travelers must exercise caution while traveling to the Belize police Department crimes! Department also advised that travelers must exercise caution no matter where in the world you.... At mrkt [ emailprotected ] kngblznw.m or call us at 501-601-0315 ) crimes COMPARATIVE 2022. And she was killed in January 2015 to the south side of her head, '' said. That left eight others murdered, according to a report here, get involved with a Neighborhood Watch scheme do. For more info, visit our Affiliate Disclosure Page us citizen was the bizarre John McAfee situation on Caye. Team and in our community in the waters off Ambergris Caye back in 2012 mentioned... Were pronounced dead must exercise caution while traveling to the Belize City Morgue, where writes... She was pronounced dead and solid community support, he said the attackers used an rifle! Of 350,000, one or two expat murders should be a major concern later! Staying in a four-day period, local news outlet Amandala reported be political! Filmmaker was killed in October 2022, the only notable murder involvement by a us citizen the..., Briceo described Bowens death as a result of strong, disciplined police presence and Power of Authority it! Taximan Leo Skeen was killed 2 travel advisory for Belize near a tiny town tourist killed in belize 2020!
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