Drugs? 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. And then just this month, a US retiree living in Hopkins was found, although arrests have been made in this case. Bowens was apparently struck by gunfire outside a nightclub. "We Criminals often operate in groups and target persons traveling alone. https://t.co/DOPUhxwZrt, Ambergris Today (@ambergrisnews) September 5, 2018. "A horse riding tour returned in the afternoon and found her personal effects on the deck. Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. Read it here: https://t.co/crTR6zsohu. The Belize murder rate is third highest in the world - more than twice the homicide rate of Chicago and higher than any U.S. city. 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.". Or were they just in the wrong place at the wrong time? 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. Shortly thereafter, the assistant manager and the bartender went to look for her. "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. 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. Thanks for contacting us. 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. The San Pedro Barrier Reef. Police investigation led to the custody of several suspects, but all were released. 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. 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.. Authorities said Swaney was taken to San Ignacio Hospital in Belize, where she was pronounced dead. I treat everyone the same, ask for help, and return the favor. 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 man, a Guatemalan national, maintains he was just fishing and was not involved in her death, police said. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. 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. Published by Teresa Romero , Feb 17, 2022. Dont look wealthy, dont flash cash, dont get too drunk, and so on. I would argue you should exercise caution no matter where in the world you travel. Authorities say its complicated because of the proximity to the Guatemala border. An autopsy shows that an American news producer found dead while staying in a vacation resort in Belize was strangled. Theft of content without permission/payment is punishable by law. 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. Download. 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 grisly slaying of a Virginia doctor coincided with a week-long bloodbath in Belize that left eight others murdered, according to a report. 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. As already mentioned, the overwhelming majority of violent crime victims in Belize are Belizeans. 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. Most crimes remain unresolved and unprosecuted, it added. 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'. Increased level of Crime in Two South-side communities of Belize City force Government to Declare a State of Emergency in the areas. His absence leaves a void in our team and in our community. Like the previous cases mentioned, no leads or convictions, which seems to be the norm. Our house is secure, with solid windows, doors, locks, outside lights and more. Martinez was not known to the two men and the motive behind the shooting is unclear, authorities said. ANNUAL MAJOR CRIMES STATISTICS 1 file(s) 142.47 KB. 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. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? 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. Drug-related crimes are also on the uptick. 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. "Definitely it hits the entire industry of Belize for tourists," said Karen Pike, Belize Tourism Board. We often hear I woke up and my computer/phone/purse was missing. "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. 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. This is the generic advice Id give to people traveling anywhere. Become part of the Facebook community, like our Placencia Crime Watchgroupso you know whats happening in your area. Read more of Garys work on his blog. In Central America, Belize is one of the fastest-growing destinations for Americans. According to Nola.com, the victims name is JBria Bowens, a nursing student a Louisiana State University. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Belize Prime Minister John Briceo confirmed that police have arrested a number of persons in connection with the murder of the American tourist. But I heard all these stories on Ambergris Caye and my protective nature kicked my alertness up two notches while I was there. Its no secret that Belize City is a cesspool of crime, with gang conflicts and shootings almost daily. A Virginia doctor and his tour guide were murdered during a fly-fishing expedition in Belize, authorities said. They then performed CPR on her but unfortunately, she passed away. In January 2014, two American citizens were kidnapped at gunpoint from a resort area near the western border with Guatemala. Is Guatemala City Safe? He said the attackers used an assault rifle and the intended target had been a local gang leader. Most foreign crime victims dont realize theyre victims until they wake up and find out. Bowens was struck by a stray bullet. Remember, were only talking about foreigners murdered here. Pretty much every visitor toRead More Is Guatemala City Safe? 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. If youre moving here, get involved with a Neighborhood Watch scheme they do exist here. 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 gunmen began shooting at a group of people who were partying at Jaguars nightclub. 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