"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. In May 2018, a gunman shot dead a Texan expat in his popular San Pedro restaurant in the early evening. 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. 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. ANNUAL CRIME-COMPARATIVE 2019-2020. Alison MacKenzie, 43, was reported missing in Rendezvous Caye on Saturday. This looked suspicious, so they went to her cabin, and she wasn't there. The grisly slaying of a Virginia doctor coincided with a week-long bloodbath in Belize that left eight others murdered, according to a report. But we are now witnessing more serious crimes creep into the south and out to the islands where the tourists go. 2020, BreakingBelizeNews.com. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? Theft of content without permission/payment is punishable by law. Wheres the best hospital nearRead More Wheres the Best Hospital Near Me in Central America? Police investigation led to the custody of several suspects, but all were released. Nothing says Keep Out like a sign that says I can make it to this gate in 2.3 seconds, can you?. A physical check showed bruises on her neck and lacerations on either side of her head," Arzu said. 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. The killings drew international media attention but remain unsolved. Content is copyrighted and requires written permission for reprinting in online or print media. 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. 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. 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. Your content is delivered instantly to thousands of users in Belize and abroad! 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. The San Pedro Barrier Reef. ?Check out OSACs 2018 Crime and Safety Report on Belize to learn the most up-to-date traveler security information. "We Brico stated he understands the outrage that exists in the community given the impact it can have on the vital tourism sector. 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. "Definitely it hits the entire industry of Belize for tourists," said Karen Pike, Belize Tourism Board. 10:45 am CST. According to reports, around 9 pm, American national Stephanie Nevis,34, was drinking at the resort when she was informed that the bar was closing. Or were they just in the wrong place at the wrong time? We are heartbroken at his loss. 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 entire Carilion family extends 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. If he had not been the type of doctor that he was, I probably would not have seen him. Content is copyrighted and requires written permission for reprinting in online or print media. Until recently, the only notable murder involvement by a US citizen was the bizarre John McAfee situation on Ambergris Caye back in 2012. 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). 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. 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'. 1 file(s) 142.47 KB. Alison MacKenzie was reported missing in Rendezvous Caye, Belize, on Jan. 18, 2020. Read it here: https://t.co/crTR6zsohu. The best thing you can have at home to keep you safe is a big dog. David Martinez, 23, reportedly was shot eight times by the gunmen, who ambushed him from the bushes in a Corozal Town yard. ABC News' Christine Theodorou contributed to this report. The I-Team traveled to Central America after Anne was killed. WebThe 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, Crime is an issue which should never be made political, its a problem that requires all sectors of society to fight it together.. Our meeting first meeting was in the ER, Saunders said. Download. Shortly thereafter, the assistant manager and the bartender went to look for her. In Central America, Belize is one of the fastest-growing destinations for Americans. 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. 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. An autopsy shows that an American news producer found dead while staying in a vacation resort in Belize was strangled. Track SoCal rain with LIVE Megadoppler 7000 HD, Chuck Goudie, Ann Pistone, Barb Markoff, Christine Tressel and Ross Weidner. 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. Dont look wealthy, dont flash cash, dont get too drunk, and so on. Bowens was apparently struck by gunfire outside a nightclub. Boys basketball: Check out the Section 9 tournament brackets, FAMU basketball splits even with Southern in homecourt finale doubleheader. Lets Talk About What Others Wont Crime In Belize. Its been a few years now since I moved to Belize and I think Ive assimilated well into my local community. Dr. Swank was a well-respected and well-loved colleague who, each and every day, embodied the values that we hold dear. Business dealings? pic.twitter.com/94qBPRi2F4, Belize.com (@Belizean) December 31, 2022. All Rights Reserved. Tourists in Belize are often victims of theft, but few experience real violence. Our house is secure, with solid windows, doors, locks, outside lights and more. ANNUAL MAJOR CRIMES STATISTICS 1 file(s) 142.47 KB. An expat in Placencia was also strangled in December 2017, found next to her rental vehicle. As the most-visited destination in the country, San Pedro is home to the second-largest barrier reed in the world. WebTwo Carnival Cruise Line passengers were killed in a van accident during an independent tour in Belize. And in May 2015, two American men were murdered in a suspected drug-related armed robbery. I never heard any of that stuff before arriving. Breaking Belize News invites you to share your story with the world. Authorities say its complicated because of the proximity to the Guatemala border. But, he admits, Belize police - especially in rural sections such as his - really don't handle many murder investigations. The U.S. Embassy, in keeping with State Department policy, did not identify the victim. WebUS tourist killed by gunfire in Belize. The club is located in San Pedros Central Park. Its also the only nightclub that opens after midnight. 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. Respected Voice of Tourism. WebThe police spokesperson told ABC News that the investigation is ongoing and nothing has been ruled out. Briceo has directed Police Commissioner Chester Williams to lead the investigation into her death. CHICAGO (WLS) -- The ABC7 I-Team reports on Increased level of Crime in Two South-side communities of Belize City force Government to Declare a State of Emergency in the areas. 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. Jerry Espat was killed in October in the waters off Ambergris Caye, while taximan Leo Skeen was killed at his home. 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. The passengers were on the Carnival Vista, which left out of Galveston. WebThere have been a few high-profile murders of tourists and expatriates. 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. I would argue you should exercise caution no matter where in the world you travel. Gary Paul Swank, 53, a cardiologist at Carilion Clinic, who was recently "At 8:15 a.m. (Friday) the police search found her. Is Guatemala City Safe? WebCHICAGO -- 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. One was Canadian and the other from the US. Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. Martinez was not known to the two men and the motive behind the shooting is unclear, authorities said. Pretty much every visitor toRead More Is Guatemala City Safe? 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. State Department also advised that travelers must exercise caution while traveling to the south side of Belize City. However, the citys party scene isnt a wild one like some other parts of the Caribbean. Breaking Belize News invites you to share your story with the world. (And Which Parts Should I Visit And/Or Avoid?). See the State Departments travel website for the Worldwide Caution and Travel Advisories. The man, a Guatemalan national, maintains he was just fishing and was not involved in her death, police said. Officials said Swanks murder was one of four deadly incidents across the country in a four-day period, local news outlet Amandala reported. Theft of content without permission/payment is punishable by law. The American tourist was taken to the Dr Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II. 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. 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. If you read the US State Departments OSAC (Overseas Security Advisory Council) Crime & Safety Report for Belize in 2018, youll see the words exercise increased caution. A Virginia doctor and his tour guide were murdered during a fly-fishing expedition in Belize, authorities said. The most up-to-date traveler security information its complicated because of the proximity the... 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