Graniels body was discovered inside the boat with multiple apparent gunshot wounds, and Swanks body was found floating face-down in the lagoon, about 30 feet away from the boat also with what appeared to be gunshot wounds. David Martinez, 23, reportedly was shot eight times by the gunmen, who ambushed him from the bushes in a Corozal Town yard. This is the generic advice Id give to people traveling anywhere. In the Cayo District, armed robberies occasionally occur near the western border with Guatemala, especially near Caracol to the south. 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. Jerry Espat was killed in October in the waters off Ambergris Caye, while taximan Leo Skeen was killed at his home. 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. However, tourists are told to exercise a high degree of caution due to an increasing rate of violent crime throughout the country. 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. 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. 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. Email us at [emailprotected] for more information. The best thing you can have at home to keep you safe is a big dog. 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. Respected Voice of Tourism. Your content is delivered instantly to thousands of users in Belize and abroad! Swank and popular local tour guide Mario Nestle Graniel Jr., also 53, went fly fishing in the San Pedro Town lagoon around 10 a.m. when a dark skiff passed by and someone opened fire on their small boat, local authorities told the San Pedro Sun. Theft of content without permission/payment is punishable by law. The San Pedro Barrier Reef. In a statement, Briceo described Bowens death as a random act of terrorism. 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. The most popular nightclub in town is Jaguars Temple. Download. Both men were rushed to the San Pedro Polyclinic, where they were pronounced dead. One of the primary industries in the town is tourism, most notably scuba diving. An autopsy shows that an American news producer found dead while staying in a vacation resort in Belize was strangled. Tourism Review Online Magazine 1 / 2020. WebThere have been a few high-profile murders of tourists and expatriates. A physical check showed bruises on her neck and lacerations on either side of her head," Arzu said. For further information, contact our Tourism Data Unit at the Belize Tourism Board via email 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.. "On the bus I felt safe but I would not want to be off the bus," said Brian Mielke, a Naperville resident. News. Sticking your head into the sand of one of our beautiful Caribbean beaches is not the best way to go. 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. Gary Peterson lives on the Placencia Peninsula, Belize, where he writes books about Central America and the Caribbean. Police investigation led to the custody of several suspects, but all were released. 1 file(s) 146.10 KB. ? Content is copyrighted and requires written permission for reprinting in online or print media. However, the Prime Minister emphasized that San Pedro remains a safe place for people to visit. But we are now witnessing more serious crimes creep into the south and out to the islands where the tourists go. Swaney is being remembered as a newsroom leader with a penchant for detail and a passion for getting facts straight. By BBN Staff: An American national drowned on Wednesday night at Turneffe Island Resort. All Rights Reserved. The police spokesperson told ABC News that the investigation is ongoing and nothing has been ruled out. This stretch of winter into Spring Break is a popular time for Chicagoans to head south. 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. 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 I treat everyone the same, ask for help, and return the favor. To date, there has been little released about this double murder or any hope of solving it. Download. WebUS tourist killed by gunfire in Belize. 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. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Nothing says Keep Out like a sign that says I can make it to this gate in 2.3 seconds, can you?. 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. However, New Orleans media outlet nola.com identified her as JBria Bowens, a nursing student a Louisiana State University. 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. But, he admits, Belize police - especially in rural sections such as his - really don't handle many murder investigations. The country also lifted the mask mandate, but travelers may still need a mask for their inbound flight and inside the airport. 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. What my research didnt tell me was about gunfire at night and conflicts at the Mexican border between drug runners. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Police say criminal activity, including armed robbery, mugging and sexual assault, is a significant problem throughout Belize. Contact us at mrkt[emailprotected]kngblznw.m or call us at 501-601-0315. This story has been shared 130,601 times. Please email us your news at [emailprotected]. And in May 2015, two American men were murdered in a suspected drug-related armed robbery. 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. The 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. Bowens was apparently struck by gunfire outside a nightclub. Our house is secure, with solid windows, doors, locks, outside lights and more. 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? He saved my life and every time I went to his office, he was a very knowledgeable, patient and caring person, she said. Your content is delivered instantly to thousands of users in Belize and abroad! Local Mario Graniel and tourist Dr. Gary Swank were shot to death while on a fly-fishing tour on the lagoon side of Ambergris Caye. Its been a few years now since I moved to Belize and I think Ive assimilated well into my local community. An American woman disappeared over the weekend while vacationing in Belize, authorities said. Im not sure if the recent decline in tourists is because of sargassum or increasing crime or both. "Anne helped us evolve our business and our newsroom, but most importantly, she was a kind person who was always had a smile and a positive attitude.". WebThe police spokesperson told ABC News that the investigation is ongoing and nothing has been ruled out. Copyright 2023 WLS-TV. The United States Embassy in the Central American nation of Belize on Sunday confirmed the death of an American tourist there and said it was closely monitoring the local investigation, Associated Press reported. (And Which Parts Should I Visit And/Or Avoid?). Breaking Belize News invites you to share your story with the world. Join BBN mailing list for the latest news on Belize. Thanks for contacting us. U.S. Embassy officials urge visitors to Belize to travel only in groups, only during the day; avoid wearing jewelry or carrying valuables. My fear is, at some point, occupants will confront a suspect who enters a property and itll get violent. Web(Statistics from the Belize Police Department) CRIMES COMPARATIVE JANUARY 2022 2023. The American tourist was taken to the Dr Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II. The state department also notes that Belize police lack resources to effectively investigate crimes. Our thoughts, prayers and attention are now focused on helping his family navigate this difficult time.. Web(Statistics from the Belize Police Department) CRIMES COMPARATIVE JANUARY 2022 2023. 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. 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. WebThe Belize murder rate is third highest in the world - more than twice the homicide rate of Chicago and higher than any U.S. city. Our meeting first meeting was in the ER, Saunders said. 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. Its Belize City that makes Belizes homicide rate so high (more on that below). Alison MacKenzie is pictured in this undated handout photo. We've received your submission. 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. In Central America, Belize is one of the fastest-growing destinations for Americans. But I heard all these stories on Ambergris Caye and my protective nature kicked my alertness up two notches while I was there. Advertise with the mt vtd nw t n Belize ~ We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages. https://t.co/EWrcbLmyKs, Que Pasa Corozal (@QuePasaCorozal) September 1, 2018. He said the attackers used an assault rifle and the intended target had been a local gang leader. 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. In May 2018, a gunman shot dead a Texan expat in his popular San Pedro restaurant in the early evening. "We don't really have any areas around here that are off limits to, we don't say don't go somewhere," said Tom Thomas, a resort operator. Drugs? Present at that meeting was also Minister of Tourism and Area Representative Manual Heredia Jr. and San Pedro Mayor Danny Gurrero. It holds a diverse number of species. Download. "Due to privacy considerations, we have no further comment at this time.". Alison MacKenzie, 43, was reported missing in Rendezvous Caye on Saturday. An 18-year old suspect was charged. Or were they just in the wrong place at the wrong time? 1 file(s) 142.47 KB. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. Breaking Belize News invites you to share your story with the world. Email us at [emailprotected] for more information. Also, Belize is no longer requiring testing for entry, regardless of vaccination status. I never heard any of that stuff before arriving. 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. Im very serious about me and my wifes personal safety. 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. 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. "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. Thomas and his wife operate a resort miles up a rough road in western Belize where the I-Team headquartered while reporting the story. "We 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. Download. "At 8 a.m. yesterday, Anne went to the Mopan River to do her yoga practice," said Benque Viejo Police Superintendent Daniel Arzu. Police say that Swank was killed because he was a witness to the murder of tour guide Mario Graniel. And inside the airport? ) And/Or Avoid? ) high ( on! 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