Its been a few years now since I moved to Belize and I think Ive assimilated well into my local community. 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. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. They were travelling along George Price Highway shortly before noon, in a small blue SUV being driven by their tour guide, Leon Garcia of Big John's Tour When they arrived near the seaside, they heard Nevis screaming for help. Download. Robbery? Tourism Review. 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. They told the owner who called the police. PHOTOS: Anne Elizabeth McComb Swaney, 1976-2016. CHICAGO (WLS) -- The ABC7 I-Team reports on "Due to privacy considerations, we have no further comment at this time.". Dont look wealthy, dont flash cash, dont get too drunk, and so on. Until recently, the only notable murder involvement by a US citizen was the bizarre John McAfee situation on Ambergris Caye back in 2012. Crime is an issue which should never be made political, its a problem that requires all sectors of society to fight it together.. U.S. Embassy officials urge visitors to Belize to travel only in groups, only during the day; avoid wearing jewelry or carrying valuables. Our house is secure, with solid windows, doors, locks, outside lights and more. ', 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. Most foreign crime victims dont realize theyre victims until they wake up and find out. WebA Virginia doctor and his tour guide were murdered during a fly-fishing expedition in Belize, authorities said. 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. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. One of the primary industries in the town is tourism, most notably scuba diving. However, New Orleans media outlet nola.com identified her as JBria Bowens, a nursing student a Louisiana State University. In Central America, Belize is one of the fastest-growing destinations for Americans. Robberies and assaults have been reported in resort areas. The US State Department confirmed the incident, but provided no further comment. 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. For further information, contact our Tourism Data Unit at the Belize Tourism Board via email They were identified as Ernest Wills Sr., 49, Travis Cooke, 23, Allison Jones, 19, Jamar Martinez, 23, and Winston Santos, 40. Sticking your head into the sand of one of our beautiful Caribbean beaches is not the best way to go. Read more of Garys work on his blog. pic.twitter.com/94qBPRi2F4, Belize.com (@Belizean) December 31, 2022. ANNUAL CRIME-COMPARATIVE 2020-2021. I treat everyone the same, ask for help, and return the favor. 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. Tourists in Belize are often victims of theft, but few experience real violence. The Belize Consulate in Washington, DC, called the shooting tragic, but told WSLS that it needed to find out more before it could comment. 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. #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. Its no secret that Belize City is a cesspool of crime, with gang conflicts and shootings almost daily. Your content is delivered instantly to thousands of users in Belize and abroad! 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. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. 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. Breaking Belize News invites you to share your story with the world. In a statement, Briceo described Bowens death as a random act of terrorism. Cruise ship visitors disembarking for a few hours while at the port have been targeted by scammers. Im not sure if the recent decline in tourists is because of sargassum or increasing crime or both. 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. In October 2022, the U.S. State Department listed Belize as a Level 2 travel advisory for Belize. Alison MacKenzie is pictured in this undated handout photo. My fear is, at some point, occupants will confront a suspect who enters a property and itll get violent. 2019, BreakingBelizeNews.com. (And Which Parts Should I Visit And/Or Avoid?). I would argue you should exercise caution no matter where in the world you travel. Results of an autopsy are pending at the Belize City Morgue, local police said. By BBN Staff: An American national drowned on Wednesday night at Turneffe Island Resort. The best thing you can have at home to keep you safe is a big dog. 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 apparently had planned to go on a horseback expedition Thursday morning, but when the group came up one animal short, Swaney stayed behind. He said the attackers used an assault rifle and the intended target had been a local gang leader. Bowens was apparently struck by gunfire outside a nightclub. At least 125 murders were committed in Belize in 2021. Authorities say its complicated because of the proximity to the Guatemala border. Email us at [emailprotected] for more information. Copyright 2023 WLS-TV. She said the support she got from other teams was 'overwhelming. 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. Download. As the most-visited destination in the country, San Pedro is home to the second-largest barrier reed in the world. 4:50 pm CST. This should be a concern as Belize survives on tourism. 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. 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? 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). The state department also notes that Belize police lack resources to effectively investigate crimes. 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. This story has been shared 130,601 times. Both men went into the water to rescue her. I say considering Belize only has a population of 350,000, one or two expat murders should be a major concern. We've received your submission. 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. 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 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'. 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. If youre moving here, get involved with a Neighborhood Watch scheme they do exist here. 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. WebA tourist from Arizona has gone missing while on a catamaran tour on Rendezvous Caye in Belize, police there said Wednesday. Criminals often operate in groups and target persons traveling alone. The police spokesperson told ABC News that the investigation is ongoing and nothing has been ruled out. Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. Please email us your news at [emailprotected]. "On the bus I felt safe but I would not want to be off the bus," said Brian Mielke, a Naperville resident. Only three percent of Belize homicides result in convictions. 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? Police here do have a fairly high street presence. "Definitely it hits the entire industry of Belize for tourists," said Karen Pike, Belize Tourism Board. Both men were rushed to the San Pedro Polyclinic, where they were pronounced dead. Statistics matter and how statisticsRead More A Few Words About the Costa Rica Murder Rate. It was the emerald hills of western Belize that attracted ABC7 web producer Anne Swaney. 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. 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. However, the Prime Minister emphasized that San Pedro remains a safe place for people to visit. The most popular nightclub in town is Jaguars Temple. "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. Belize was included on the FY12, 13 and 14 U.S. Majors List of illegal narcotic producing and/or transit countries. An expat in Placencia was also strangled in December 2017, found next to her rental vehicle. 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. 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. Respect your surroundings and try to become one with your community. Authorities said Swaney was taken to San Ignacio Hospital in Belize, where she was pronounced dead. 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. What about now? Eric Trump says he was spit on by employee at a Chicago ba 11-year-old reads aloud from 'pornographic' book he checked out from library at school board meeting, Ousted Chicago mayor blames loss on racism, gender but not her tepid response to crime, Influencer refuses to switch business class seats so family can sit together, Matthew Lawrence hugs, kisses TLCs Chilli during romantic airport reunion, Inside the Hollywood-script style life of Aubrey Plaza: a stroke, a tie-dye wedding and calls to be Bond, Caroline Manzo launching new season of cooking show amid RHUGT drama, Good luck 'worming' your way out of this one, Sunny Hostin Points Finger at China for COVID Crisis: Did Not Cooperate With the International Community, Meghan Markle, Prince Harry have first night out since bombshell 'Spare' released. Nevis then reportedly walked toward the seaside. The U.S. Embassy, in keeping with State Department policy, did not identify the victim. News. This murder remains unsolved. In January 2016, a vacationing news anchor from Chicago died in Cayo District. WebBelow find the latest compiled statistical information on the Tourism Industry in Belize. Is Guatemala City Safe? Read it here: https://t.co/crTR6zsohu. See the State Departments travel website for the Worldwide Caution and Travel Advisories. 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. Increased level of Crime in Two South-side communities of Belize City force Government to Declare a State of Emergency in the areas. However, tourists are told to exercise a high degree of caution due to an increasing rate of violent crime throughout the country. An official with the U.S. Department of State told ABC News in a statement, "We are aware of reports of a U.S. citizen missing in Rendezvous Caye, Belize. But since 2016 several foreigners have been murdered in Belize. The entire Carilion family extends We often hear I woke up and my computer/phone/purse was missing. 1 file(s) 142.81 KB. He said the attackers used an assault rifle and the intended target had been a local gang leader. 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. "A horse riding tour returned in the afternoon and found her personal effects on the deck. The grisly slaying of a Virginia doctor coincided with a week-long bloodbath in Belize that left eight others murdered, according to a report. "We offer our sincerest condolences to her family and loved ones on their loss," said a U.S. State Department spokesman in Washington. "Things happen, and it's super sad, and you don't want to be that person," said Natalie Shellworth, an American tourist. 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. Police investigation led to the custody of several suspects, but all were released. To date, there has been little released about this double murder or any hope of solving it. Present at that meeting was also Minister of Tourism and Area Representative Manual Heredia Jr. and San Pedro Mayor Danny Gurrero. 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. There's no need to be concerned about safety on commercial flights. 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.". Corozal District saw an incident last year with the discovery of a local expat couple found strangled in a cane field. Advertise with the mt vtd nw t n Belize ~ We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages. The I-Team traveled to Central America after Anne was killed. 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. Contact us at mrkt[emailprotected]kngblznw.m or call us at 501-601-0315. Swanks colleagues and patients grieved the sudden loss of a seasoned, caring doctor. 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. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? What my research didnt tell me was about gunfire at night and conflicts at the Mexican border between drug runners. Or were they just in the wrong place at the wrong time? Crime Stoppers Belize says WE can be more active in the fight against CRIME! Police say that Swank was killed because he was a witness to the murder of tour guide Mario Graniel. 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 Hotel owner Santiago Juan tells ABC7 Chicago she was killed on "public land" near the hotel. 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