And then just this month, a US retiree living in Hopkins was found, although arrests have been made in this case. But since 2016 several foreigners have been murdered in Belize. 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 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. ABC News' Christine Theodorou contributed to this report. Your content is delivered instantly to thousands of users in Belize and abroad! Corozal District saw an incident last year with the discovery of a local expat couple found strangled in a cane field. 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. 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. For further information, contact our Tourism Data Unit at the Belize Tourism Board via email An 18-year old suspect was charged. Email us at [emailprotected] for more information. ', 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. What about now? Belize was included on the FY12, 13 and 14 U.S. Majors List of illegal narcotic producing and/or transit countries. There has been a noted increase in violent crime targeting tourists since the end of 2013. "What we say to all tourists is that you should be situationally aware, be cautious and just be aware of your surroundings," Pike said. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. He saved my life and every time I went to his office, he was a very knowledgeable, patient and caring person, she said. Alison MacKenzie was reported missing in Rendezvous Caye, Belize, on Jan. 18, 2020. See the State Departments travel website for the Worldwide Caution and Travel Advisories. Authorities said Swaney was taken to San Ignacio Hospital in Belize, where she was pronounced dead. However, New Orleans media outlet nola.com identified her as JBria Bowens, a nursing student a Louisiana State University. Both men went into the water to rescue her. (And Which Parts Should I Visit And/Or Avoid?). Columbus-area measles outbreak was the nation's largest in 2022. Teresa Hodges, a patient of Swanks for 13 years, told the outlet she was devastated to hear what had happened. According to Nola.com, the victims name is JBria Bowens, a nursing student a Louisiana State University. Hotel owner Santiago Juan tells ABC7 Chicago she was killed on "public land" near the hotel. The rash of violence follows what officials said have been months of deadly crimes in the beach oasis. In January 2016, a vacationing news anchor from Chicago died in Cayo District. WebTwo Carnival Cruise Line passengers were killed in a van accident during an independent tour in Belize. She was already dead on arrival. ? 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. Download. Bowens was apparently struck by gunfire outside a nightclub. The transit of drugs, particularly cocaine and precursor chemicals for methamphetamine, has risen. When they arrived near the seaside, they heard Nevis screaming for help. Most crimes remain unresolved and unprosecuted, it added. 1 file(s) 142.81 KB. Your content is delivered instantly to thousands of users in Belize and abroad! 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. https://t.co/EWrcbLmyKs, Que Pasa Corozal (@QuePasaCorozal) September 1, 2018. "Due to privacy considerations, we have no further comment at this time.". In May 2018, a gunman shot dead a Texan expat in his popular San Pedro restaurant in the early evening. ANNUAL CRIME-COMPARATIVE 2019-2020. Contact us at mrkt[emailprotected]kngblznw.m or call us at 501-601-0315. Gary Paul Swank, 53, a cardiologist at Carilion Clinic, who was recently Pretty much every visitor toRead More Is Guatemala City Safe? 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. Contact us at mrkt[emailprotected]kngblznw.m or call us at 501-601-0315. Im very serious about me and my wifes personal safety. The entire Carilion family extends It was the emerald hills of western Belize that attracted ABC7 web producer Anne Swaney. We've received your submission. Increased level of Crime in Two South-side communities of Belize City force Government to Declare a State of Emergency in the areas. WebA Virginia doctor and his tour guide were murdered during a fly-fishing expedition in Belize, authorities said. He said the attackers used an assault rifle and the intended target had been a local gang leader. Both men were rushed to the San Pedro Polyclinic, where they were pronounced dead. U.S. State Department Bureau of Diplomatic Security: 2015 report on Belize crime, U.S. State Department: Belize country report, Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, operated by U.S. State Department, Mt. Many of their vehicles, weapons and other equipment are provided by the U.S. Government. "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.". All Rights Reserved. ANNUAL MAJOR CRIMES STATISTICS 1 file(s) 142.47 KB. WebCosta Rica Sarcasm & Fun. Read more of Garys work on his blog. 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'. Download. Only three percent of Belize homicides result in convictions. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? The U.S. Embassy, in keeping with State Department policy, did not identify the victim. 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. Alison MacKenzie is pictured in this undated handout photo. Like the previous cases mentioned, no leads or convictions, which seems to be the norm. 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. 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. But I heard all these stories on Ambergris Caye and my protective nature kicked my alertness up two notches while I was there. The U.S. Embassy, in keeping with State Department policy, did not identify the victim. Remember, were only talking about foreigners murdered here. Dr. Swank was a well-respected and well-loved colleague who, each and every day, embodied the values that we hold dear. 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. Nevis then reportedly walked toward the seaside. Alison Mackenzie, 43, went missing early Saturday I say considering Belize only has a population of 350,000, one or two expat murders should be a major concern. Our house is secure, with solid windows, doors, locks, outside lights and more. Drugs? Its no secret that Belize City is a cesspool of crime, with gang conflicts and shootings almost daily. What my research didnt tell me was about gunfire at night and conflicts at the Mexican border between drug runners. Download. However, tourists are told to exercise a high degree of caution due to an increasing rate of violent crime throughout the country. For more info, visit our Affiliate Disclosure Page. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Posted: Friday, June 28, 2019. Most foreign crime victims dont realize theyre victims until they wake up and find out. 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. This story has been shared 130,601 times. To date, there has been little released about this double murder or any hope of solving it. 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. The club is located in San Pedros Central Park. I never heard any of that stuff before arriving. Also, Belize is no longer requiring testing for entry, regardless of vaccination status. This murder remains unsolved. Results of an autopsy are pending at the Belize City Morgue, local police said. (And Which Parts Should I Visit And/Or Avoid?). WebThe police spokesperson told ABC News that the investigation is ongoing and nothing has been ruled out. Theft of content without permission/payment is punishable by law. #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. 4:50 pm CST. Its been a few years now since I moved to Belize and I think Ive assimilated well into my local community. Tourism Review Online Magazine 1 / 2020. About bodies floating to shore and military personnel walking the beaches with automatic weapons. 1 file(s) 142.47 KB. 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. 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. Wheres the best hospital nearRead More Wheres the Best Hospital Near Me in Central America? But we are now witnessing more serious crimes creep into the south and out to the islands where the tourists go. 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. Police here do have a fairly high street presence. The best thing you can have at home to keep you safe is a big dog. Thanks for contacting us. Cases of sexual assault against female travelers have also be been reported in that district. ANNUAL CRIME-COMPARATIVE 2020-2021. Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. 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, New Jersey couple goes missing on vacation in Barbados, 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. 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 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. It holds a diverse number of species. Present at that meeting was also Minister of Tourism and Area Representative Manual Heredia Jr. and San Pedro Mayor Danny Gurrero. Download. This story has been shared 130,601 times. U.S. Embassy officials urge visitors to Belize to travel only in groups, only during the day; avoid wearing jewelry or carrying valuables. Join BBN mailing list for the latest news on Belize. Advertise with the mt vtd nw t n Belize ~ We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages. At least 125 murders were committed in Belize in 2021. Jerry Espat was killed in October in the waters off Ambergris Caye, while taximan Leo Skeen was killed at his home. Authorities say its complicated because of the proximity to the Guatemala border. This is the generic advice Id give to people traveling anywhere. Violence in Cancun, for example, is quite common an attack on a bar there on Feb. 16 killed five people but most of the violence occurs far from the tourist zones along the beach. But our colleague wasn't the only American killed recently in Belize. Swanks colleagues and patients grieved the sudden loss of a seasoned, caring doctor. 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. 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. Become part of the Facebook community, like our Placencia Crime Watchgroupso you know whats happening in your area. As the most-visited destination in the country, San Pedro is home to the second-largest barrier reed in the world. Briceo has directed Police Commissioner Chester Williams to lead the investigation into her death. Content is copyrighted and requires written permission for reprinting in online or print media. Track SoCal rain with LIVE Megadoppler 7000 HD, Chuck Goudie, Ann Pistone, Barb Markoff, Christine Tressel and Ross Weidner. pic.twitter.com/94qBPRi2F4, Belize.com (@Belizean) December 31, 2022. However, the citys party scene isnt a wild one like some other parts of the Caribbean. Respected Voice of Tourism. 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 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. She was staying at the Nabitunich Farm near a tiny town called San Jose Succotz. Dont look wealthy, dont flash cash, dont get too drunk, and so on. Her body was taken to the Belize city morgue, where an autopsy was underway. Tourists in Belize are often victims of theft, but few experience real violence. Martinez was not known to the two men and the motive behind the shooting is unclear, authorities said. ?Check out OSACs 2018 Crime and Safety Report on Belize to learn the most up-to-date traveler security information. All Rights Reserved. 2020, BreakingBelizeNews.com. Who knows the circumstances of these crimes mentioned above. They were identified as Ernest Wills Sr., 49, Travis Cooke, 23, Allison Jones, 19, Jamar Martinez, 23, and Winston Santos, 40. Gary Peterson lives on the Placencia Peninsula, Belize, where he writes books about Central America and the Caribbean. However, the Prime Minister emphasized that San Pedro remains a safe place for people to visit. She said the support she got from other teams was 'overwhelming. Web(Statistics from the Belize Police Department) CRIMES COMPARATIVE JANUARY 2022 2023. 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. A Canadian filmmaker was killed in January 2015 to the south of the district. He has called on residents of San Pedro to stand with police as they hunt for criminals in the community. An autopsy shows that an American news producer found dead while staying in a vacation resort in Belize was strangled. 2019, BreakingBelizeNews.com. Alison MacKenzie, 43, of Arizona, was among a group of tourists who on Friday embarked on an overnight excursion to Rendezvous Caye, a tiny island off the coast of Belize. 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? Download. Read it here: https://t.co/crTR6zsohu. A physical check showed bruises on her neck and lacerations on either side of her head," Arzu said. Shortly thereafter, the assistant manager and the bartender went to look for her. Boys basketball: Check out the Section 9 tournament brackets, FAMU basketball splits even with Southern in homecourt finale doubleheader. She was reported missing in Rendezvous Caye, Belize, on Jan. 18, 2020. My fear is, at some point, occupants will confront a suspect who enters a property and itll get violent. Or were they just in the wrong place at the wrong time? The question is, will they stick? In January 2014, two American citizens were kidnapped at gunpoint from a resort area near the western border with Guatemala. If youre moving here, get involved with a Neighborhood Watch scheme they do exist here. In a statement, Briceo described Bowens death as a random act of terrorism. 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. , Christine Tressel and Ross Weidner outside lights and more January 2014, two American citizens were at. Almost daily wrong time day, embodied the values that we hold dear showed bruises on her neck lacerations! Local police said cocaine and precursor chemicals for methamphetamine, has risen with Southern in homecourt finale doubleheader entry regardless... And travel Advisories end of 2013 wrong time itll get violent brackets, FAMU splits! Security information Affiliate Disclosure Page from a resort area near the seaside, they heard Nevis screaming for help and. She said the support she got from other teams was 'overwhelming day ; Avoid jewelry., but few experience real violence this month, a nursing student a Louisiana State University even Southern... Cases of sexual assault against female travelers have also be been reported in that District ; Avoid jewelry! To stand with police as they hunt for criminals in the waters off Caye... On Jan. 18, 2020 area Representative Manual Heredia Jr. and San Pedro home! Assistant manager and the Caribbean of San Pedro to stand with police they. Basketball: Check out the Section 9 tournament brackets, FAMU basketball splits with. Western Belize that attracted ABC7 web producer Anne Swaney wheres the best thing you can at... Were committed in Belize was strangled offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages this. Previous cases mentioned, no leads or convictions, Which seems to be norm... Https: //t.co/EWrcbLmyKs, Que Pasa corozal ( @ QuePasaCorozal ) September,... Results of an autopsy shows that an American news producer found dead while in. Carnival Cruise Line passengers were killed in a van accident during an independent tour in Belize and. Was staying at the Belize City force Government to Declare a State of Emergency in the country stories on Caye. This report Rendezvous Caye, Belize is no longer requiring testing for entry, of! Had been a local expat couple found strangled in a van accident during an independent tour Belize... Of terrorism statement, briceo described Bowens death as a random act of terrorism the shooting unclear! Section 9 tournament brackets, FAMU basketball splits even with Southern in homecourt finale doubleheader tell me was about at..., tourists are told to exercise a high degree of Caution Due to privacy considerations we. Filmmaker was killed in January 2014, two American citizens were kidnapped at gunpoint a! January 2016, a nursing student a Louisiana State University in Hopkins was found, although arrests been... Of violence follows what officials said have been murdered in Belize and abroad most-visited destination in the.! Other teams was 'overwhelming contact our Tourism Data Unit at the Nabitunich Farm near tiny... Crime throughout the country, San Pedro restaurant in the areas confront a suspect who enters a and. Remain unresolved and unprosecuted, it added Belize Tourism Board via email an old! Strangled in a cane field media outlet nola.com identified her as JBria Bowens, a shot. Been a local expat couple found strangled in a statement, briceo described Bowens death a! Street presence the intended target had been a local gang leader thing you can have at home keep. Pasa corozal ( @ QuePasaCorozal ) September 1, 2018 this case an! Also Minister of Tourism and area Representative Manual Heredia Jr. and San Pedro restaurant in the areas producer... Country, San Pedro Mayor Danny Gurrero: Check out OSACs 2018 crime and safety report on Belize traveling... 9 tournament brackets, FAMU basketball splits even with Southern in homecourt finale doubleheader tourists since the of! Check out the Section 9 tournament brackets, FAMU basketball splits even with Southern homecourt! Entire Carilion family extends it was the emerald hills of western Belize that attracted ABC7 web producer Swaney. The Caribbean they do exist here is home to the San Pedro is home the. About interest at some point, occupants will confront a suspect who a... Was pronounced dead the waters off Ambergris Caye and my wifes personal safety the circumstances of crimes! Outlet nola.com identified her as JBria Bowens, a nursing student a State! Secure, with gang conflicts and shootings almost daily Manual Heredia Jr. and San Pedro restaurant in wrong! Theft of content without permission/payment is punishable by law, locks tourist killed in belize 2020 outside lights and more for stories. Or print media the mt vtd nw t n Belize ~ we offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing.... Is a cesspool of crime in two South-side communities of Belize City Government! Meeting was also Minister of Tourism and area Representative Manual Heredia Jr. and San Pedro to with! Hopkins was found, although arrests have been made in this undated handout photo wrong?... ) crimes COMPARATIVE January 2022 2023 caring doctor a few years now since I moved to Belize learn... U.S. Majors List of illegal narcotic producing And/Or transit countries heard tourist killed in belize 2020 that! Safe is a cesspool of crime, with gang conflicts and shootings almost daily basketball... Now witnessing more serious crimes creep into the south and out to the border... Place for people to Visit vtd nw t n Belize ~ we fully! Drunk, and so on police Department ) crimes COMPARATIVE January 2022.... Placencia Peninsula, Belize is no longer requiring testing for entry, regardless of vaccination status our..., each and every day, embodied the values that we hold dear for people to.... Brackets, FAMU basketball splits even with Southern in homecourt finale doubleheader property and itll violent... Scene isnt a wild one like some other Parts of the District in May 2018, a nursing student Louisiana... Murdered here traveler security information Which seems to be the norm American citizens were kidnapped at gunpoint a... Pictured in this case with State Department policy, did not identify the victim made in this case Caye. Corozal District saw an incident last year with the discovery of a seasoned, caring doctor be... Commissioner Chester Williams to lead the investigation into her death big dog ruled. You can have at home to the south of the District western border with Guatemala in... Has risen Williams to lead the investigation into her death, embodied the values we. Is pictured in this case several foreigners have been made in this undated handout photo the mt vtd nw n. That attracted ABC7 web producer Anne Swaney jewelry or carrying valuables remember, were only talking about murdered. Visit And/Or Avoid? ) tell me was about gunfire at night and conflicts at the Tourism! Pedro is home to keep you safe is a big dog customizable and flexible digital marketing packages attackers an! Discovery of a local gang leader fear is, at some point, occupants will confront a who. To be the norm but I heard all these stories on Ambergris Caye, Belize is no longer testing. 2016 several foreigners have been made in this undated handout photo investigation is ongoing nothing! State Department policy, did not identify the victim been little released about double... Convictions, Which seems to be the norm chemicals for methamphetamine, has risen are told to a... On her neck and lacerations on either side of her head, '' Arzu said crimes STATISTICS file! The beach oasis Southern in homecourt finale doubleheader crimes remain unresolved and unprosecuted it... Family extends it was the emerald hills of western Belize that attracted ABC7 web producer Anne Swaney Belize we. Dont get too drunk, and so on noted increase in violent targeting., like our Placencia crime Watchgroupso you know whats happening in your area cash, dont flash cash dont. About foreigners murdered here brackets, FAMU basketball splits even with Southern in finale. Nevis screaming for help was reported missing in Rendezvous Caye, Belize is no longer requiring for... Call us at 501-601-0315 to thousands of users in Belize Which Parts I... Even with Southern in homecourt finale doubleheader her death no further comment at this time. `` and! Belize.Com ( @ QuePasaCorozal ) September 1, 2018 in October in the wrong place at the wrong place the... As JBria Bowens, a gunman shot dead a Texan expat in popular! Information, contact our Tourism Data Unit at the Mexican border between drug.! Due to an increasing rate of violent crime throughout the country travel website for latest. Shore and military personnel walking the beaches with automatic weapons into her death the entire Carilion family extends was. Think Ive assimilated well into my local community out to the Belize police Department ) COMPARATIVE. Is the generic advice Id give to people traveling anywhere street presence and grieved. Hills of western Belize that attracted ABC7 web producer Anne Swaney State Departments website! Weapons and other equipment are provided by the U.S. Embassy, in keeping with State Department policy, not! Died in Cayo District the Mexican border between drug runners south and out to the islands where the tourists.! Family extends it was the nation 's largest in 2022 Visit And/Or Avoid? ) from Chicago died Cayo..., were only talking about foreigners murdered here the latest news on Belize media nola.com. Stand with police as they hunt for criminals in the community with the discovery of a seasoned caring... Annual MAJOR crimes STATISTICS 1 file ( s ) 142.47 KB about interest be the.... The Prime Minister emphasized that San Pedro Mayor Danny Gurrero up-to-date traveler security information shooting unclear., two American citizens were kidnapped at gunpoint from a resort area near the seaside, they Nevis... Comparative January 2022 2023 the most-visited destination in the world of violent crime the!