Drug-related crimes are also on the uptick. Officials said Swanks murder was one of four deadly incidents across the country in a four-day period, local news outlet Amandala reported. Published by Teresa Romero , Feb 17, 2022. 1 file(s) 142.81 KB. A Few Words About the Costa Rica Murder Rate. ANNUAL CRIME-COMPARATIVE 2020-2021. However, the citys party scene isnt a wild one like some other parts of the Caribbean. 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. Bowens was struck by a stray bullet. Cases of sexual assault against female travelers have also be been reported in that district. 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. Crime Stoppers Belize says WE can be more active in the fight against CRIME! 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. Or were they just in the wrong place at the wrong time? They had been missing for nearly a week. Posted: Friday, June 28, 2019. Belize was included on the FY12, 13 and 14 U.S. Majors List of illegal narcotic producing and/or transit countries. 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. 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. 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Breaking Belize News invites you to share your story with the world. Pretty much every visitor toRead More Is Guatemala City Safe? 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. Track SoCal rain with LIVE Megadoppler 7000 HD, Chuck Goudie, Ann Pistone, Barb Markoff, Christine Tressel and Ross Weidner. There is not a nationwide tourist advisory in effect for Belize. San Pedro has long enjoyed peace and security as a result of strong, disciplined Police presence and solid community support, he said. Remember, were only talking about foreigners murdered here. The best thing you can have at home to keep you safe is a big dog. Contact us at mrkt[emailprotected]kngblznw.m or call us at 501-601-0315. Until recently, the only notable murder involvement by a US citizen was the bizarre John McAfee situation on Ambergris Caye back in 2012. In December 2022, Belize dropped all Covid-related travel restrictions. 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 I-Team traveled to Central America after Anne was killed. Our thoughts, prayers and attention are now focused on helping his family navigate this difficult time.. At least 125 murders were committed in Belize in 2021. We are heartbroken at his loss. 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). Bowens was apparently struck by gunfire outside a nightclub. News. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? 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. Most foreign crime victims dont realize theyre victims until they wake up and find out. She said the support she got from other teams was 'overwhelming. Sticking your head into the sand of one of our beautiful Caribbean beaches is not the best way to go. Boys basketball: Check out the Section 9 tournament brackets, FAMU basketball splits even with Southern in homecourt finale doubleheader. ?Check out OSACs 2018 Crime and Safety Report on Belize to learn the most up-to-date traveler security information. 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. There has been a noted increase in violent crime targeting tourists since the end of 2013. But I heard all these stories on Ambergris Caye and my protective nature kicked my alertness up two notches while I was there. "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. A Virginia doctor and his tour guide were murdered during a fly-fishing expedition in Belize, authorities said. Join BBN mailing list for the latest news on Belize. ANNUAL MAJOR CRIMES STATISTICS 1 file(s) A Canadian filmmaker was killed in January 2015 to the south of the district. 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. 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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 Download. 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. Wheres the best hospital nearRead More Wheres the Best Hospital Near Me in Central America? MEXICO CITY (AP) The United States Embassy in the tiny Central American nation of Belize on Sunday confirmed the death of a U.S. citizen 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 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. Alison MacKenzie is pictured in this undated handout photo. Lets Talk About What Others Wont Crime In Belize. 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. Join BBN mailing list for the latest news on Belize. Contact us at mrkt[emailprotected]kngblznw.m or call us at 501-601-0315. Email us at [emailprotected] for more information. WebA tourist from Arizona has gone missing while on a catamaran tour on Rendezvous Caye in Belize, police there said Wednesday. Martinez was not known to the two men and the motive behind the shooting is unclear, authorities said. The San Pedro Barrier Reef. pic.twitter.com/94qBPRi2F4, Belize.com (@Belizean) December 31, 2022. Jerry Espat was killed in October in the waters off Ambergris Caye, while taximan Leo Skeen was killed at his home. WebUS tourist killed by gunfire in Belize. 10:45 am CST. What about now? 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'. 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. Nevis then reportedly walked toward the seaside. The US State Department confirmed the incident, but provided no further comment. The killings drew international media attention but remain unsolved. The transit of drugs, particularly cocaine and precursor chemicals for methamphetamine, has risen. An 18-year old suspect was charged. 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. 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. https://t.co/EWrcbLmyKs, Que Pasa Corozal (@QuePasaCorozal) September 1, 2018. Many of their vehicles, weapons and other equipment are provided by the U.S. Government. Most crimes remain unresolved and unprosecuted, it added. Jacqueline Abad, 53, and Sara 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. 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. US national killed in nightclub shooting #Belize 23 year old #LSU nursing student J'Bria Michelle Bowens an Indianapolis IN native lost her life Friday night 30 January 2022 when a gunman opened fire against a person outside Jaguar's nightclub on Ambergris Caye Belize. Theft of content without permission/payment is punishable by law. Juan reported her missing Thursday afternoon. 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. Its also the only nightclub that opens after midnight. 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. Who knows the circumstances of these crimes mentioned above. Copyright 2023 WLS-TV. 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. However, New Orleans media outlet nola.com identified her as JBria Bowens, a nursing student a Louisiana State University. Present at that meeting was also Minister of Tourism and Area Representative Manual Heredia Jr. and San Pedro Mayor Danny Gurrero. CHICAGO (WLS) -- The ABC7 I-Team reports on Its been a few years now since I moved to Belize and I think Ive assimilated well into my local community. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Wheres the Best Hospital Near Me in Central America? 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. For more info, visit our Affiliate Disclosure Page. 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. Briceo has directed Police Commissioner Chester Williams to lead the investigation into her death. 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. The gunmen began shooting at a group of people who were partying at Jaguars nightclub. Cruise ship visitors disembarking for a few hours while at the port have been targeted by scammers. 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? This looked suspicious, so they went to her cabin, and she wasn't there. 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. 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. She apparently had planned to go on a horseback expedition Thursday morning, but when the group came up one animal short, Swaney stayed behind. When they arrived near the seaside, they heard Nevis screaming for help. Swanks colleagues and patients grieved the sudden loss of a seasoned, caring doctor. ? Content is copyrighted and requires written permission for reprinting in online or print media. 2020, BreakingBelizeNews.com. 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