U.S. Embassy officials urge visitors to Belize to travel only in groups, only during the day; avoid wearing jewelry or carrying valuables. Belize Prime Minister John Briceo confirmed that police have arrested a number of persons in connection with the murder of the American tourist. 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. He said the attackers used an assault rifle and the intended target had been a local gang leader. He said the attackers used an assault rifle and the intended target had been a local gang leader. 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.". She said the support she got from other teams was 'overwhelming. They were identified as Ernest Wills Sr., 49, Travis Cooke, 23, Allison Jones, 19, Jamar Martinez, 23, and Winston Santos, 40. Juan reported her missing Thursday afternoon. According to Nola.com, the victims name is JBria Bowens, a nursing student a Louisiana State University. Alison MacKenzie is pictured in this undated handout photo. "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.". 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 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. My fear is, at some point, occupants will confront a suspect who enters a property and itll get violent. 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. Most crimes remain unresolved and unprosecuted, it added. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? 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. 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. We are heartbroken at his loss. Is Guatemala City Safe? It was the emerald hills of western Belize that attracted ABC7 web producer Anne Swaney. Police say criminal activity, including armed robbery, mugging and sexual assault, is a significant problem throughout Belize. I would argue you should exercise caution no matter where in the world you travel. She apparently had planned to go on a horseback expedition Thursday morning, but when the group came up one animal short, Swaney stayed behind. 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, Anne Swaney from Chicago was that person - her life taken as she did yoga by herself on this riverside platform 1,700 miles from home; something no one could have predicted, and only her killer could have prevented. Increased level of Crime in Two South-side communities of Belize City force Government to Declare a State of Emergency in the areas. 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. Your content is delivered instantly to thousands of users in Belize and abroad! As already mentioned, the overwhelming majority of violent crime victims in Belize are Belizeans. I should have closed and locked the door/windows.. Bowens was apparently struck by gunfire outside a nightclub. She was already dead on arrival. In January 2016, a vacationing news anchor from Chicago died in Cayo District. The I-Team traveled to Central America after Anne was killed. Wheres the Best Hospital Near Me in Central America? Crime is an issue which should never be made political, its a problem that requires all sectors of society to fight it together.. 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. 1 file(s) 142.47 KB. 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. Swaney is being remembered as a newsroom leader with a penchant for detail and a passion for getting facts straight. "We offer our sincerest condolences to her family and loved ones on their loss," said a U.S. State Department spokesman in Washington. State Department also advised that travelers must exercise caution while traveling to the south side of Belize City. In December 2022, Belize dropped all Covid-related travel restrictions. 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. "A horse riding tour returned in the afternoon and found her personal effects on the deck. They told the owner who called the police. "What we say to all tourists is that you should be situationally aware, be cautious and just be aware of your surroundings," Pike said. Copyright 2023 WLS-TV. "On the bus I felt safe but I would not want to be off the bus," said Brian Mielke, a Naperville resident. Join BBN mailing list for the latest news on Belize. Jacqueline Abad, 53, and Sara "We Tourists in Belize are often victims of theft, but few experience real violence. This should be a concern as Belize survives on tourism. Contact us at mrkt[emailprotected]kngblznw.m or call us at 501-601-0315. WebA tourist from Arizona has gone missing while on a catamaran tour on Rendezvous Caye in Belize, police there said Wednesday. And in May 2015, two American men were murdered in a suspected drug-related armed robbery. However, New Orleans media outlet nola.com identified her as JBria Bowens, a nursing student a Louisiana State University. (And Which Parts Should I Visit And/Or Avoid?). Who knows the circumstances of these crimes mentioned above. Police investigation led to the custody of several suspects, but all were released. 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. This story has been shared 130,601 times. Content is copyrighted and requires written permission for reprinting in online or print media. The police spokesperson told ABC News that the investigation is ongoing and nothing has been ruled out. 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. A Virginia doctor and his tour guide were murdered during a fly-fishing expedition in Belize, authorities said. Im not sure if the recent decline in tourists is because of sargassum or increasing crime or both. As of Tuesday night, a person-of-interest had not been identified and no one had been detained for questioning. Breaking Belize News invites you to share your story with the world. ANNUAL MAJOR CRIMES STATISTICS 1 file(s) 142.47 KB. Download. Your content is delivered instantly to thousands of users in Belize and abroad! 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. 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? Teresa Hodges, a patient of Swanks for 13 years, told the outlet she was devastated to hear what had happened. 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. 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. The question is, will they stick? The man, a Guatemalan national, maintains he was just fishing and was not involved in her death, police said. I say considering Belize only has a population of 350,000, one or two expat murders should be a major concern. 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'. "Due to privacy considerations, we have no further comment at this time.". However, the Prime Minister emphasized that San Pedro remains a safe place for people to visit. She was reported missing in Rendezvous Caye, Belize, on Jan. 18, 2020. 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? A physical check showed bruises on her neck and lacerations on either side of her head," Arzu said. Theft of content without permission/payment is punishable by law. However, New Orleans media outlet nola.com identified her as JBria Bowens, a nursing student a Louisiana State University. A Canadian filmmaker was killed in January 2015 to the south of the district. One was Canadian and the other from the US. An 18-year old suspect was charged. The best thing you can have at home to keep you safe is a big dog. The ninth murder this week in the country was 47-year-old Yolanda Requea, who was stabbed to death Sunday in San Ignacio. 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. We've received your submission. CHICAGO (WLS) -- The ABC7 I-Team reports on ANNUAL CRIME-COMPARATIVE 2019-2020. Sticking your head into the sand of one of our beautiful Caribbean beaches is not the best way to go. 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. Authorities said Swaney was taken to San Ignacio Hospital in Belize, where she was pronounced dead. 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. All Rights Reserved. An autopsy shows that an American news producer found dead while staying in a vacation resort in Belize was strangled. 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. Cruise ship visitors disembarking for a few hours while at the port have been targeted by scammers. ANNUAL Robbery? 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. Email us at [emailprotected] for more information. He saved my life and every time I went to his office, he was a very knowledgeable, patient and caring person, she said. According to the document, the country urges increased caution due to high levels of violent crime, such as sexual assault, home invasions, armed robberies, and murder are common even during daylight hours and in tourist areas.. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. 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 An expat in Placencia was also strangled in December 2017, found next to her rental vehicle. Nevis then reportedly walked toward the seaside. Im very serious about me and my wifes personal safety. Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. What about now? The American tourist was taken to the Dr Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II. One of the primary industries in the town is tourism, most notably scuba diving. Boys basketball: Check out the Section 9 tournament brackets, FAMU basketball splits even with Southern in homecourt finale doubleheader. 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. Join BBN mailing list for the latest news on Belize. San Pedro has long enjoyed peace and security as a result of strong, disciplined Police presence and solid community support, he said. After a number of recent high-profile tourist/expat homicides, we look at crime in Belize and try to determine how safe it actually is right now. 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. Advertise with the mt vtd nw t n Belize ~ We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages. This site contains occasional affiliate (referral) links to products we trust. WebBelize is a very corrupt and violent country and I don't mean just the drug gangs in Belize City which clearly makeup most of the murder. Robberies and assaults have been reported in resort areas. https://t.co/EWrcbLmyKs, Que Pasa Corozal (@QuePasaCorozal) September 1, 2018. WebThere have been a few high-profile murders of tourists and expatriates. At least 125 murders were committed in Belize in 2021. 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. The transit of drugs, particularly cocaine and precursor chemicals for methamphetamine, has risen. 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. 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WebCosta Rica Sarcasm & Fun. "At 8:15 a.m. (Friday) the police search found her. The killings drew international media attention but remain unsolved. Tourism Review Online Magazine 1 / 2020. 2019, BreakingBelizeNews.com. The passengers were on the Carnival Vista, which left out of Galveston. David Martinez, 23, reportedly was shot eight times by the gunmen, who ambushed him from the bushes in a Corozal Town yard. The United States Embassy in the tiny 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. Officials said a San Pedro resident was killed three days later by two unknown masked men. This is the generic advice Id give to people traveling anywhere. Dont look wealthy, dont flash cash, dont get too drunk, and so on. She was talking to another man around 8:30 p.m. in a yard when the mans wife showed up and stabbed her out of jealousy, according to Amandala. Gary Peterson lives on the Placencia Peninsula, Belize, where he writes books about Central America and the Caribbean. Download. Plan is to increase Police Presence and Power of Authority. A Few Words About the Costa Rica Murder Rate. Become part of the Facebook community, like our Placencia Crime Watchgroupso you know whats happening in your area. Briceo has directed Police Commissioner Chester Williams to lead the investigation into her death. San Pedro Town is the one and only town on the popular Caribbean island of Ambergris Caye, Belize. 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. There's no need to be concerned about safety on commercial flights. This story has been shared 130,601 times. "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. In October 2022, the U.S. State Department listed Belize as a Level 2 travel advisory for Belize. 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. Until recently, the only notable murder involvement by a US citizen was the bizarre John McAfee situation on Ambergris Caye back in 2012. In the Cayo District, armed robberies occasionally occur near the western border with Guatemala, especially near Caracol to the south. Read more of Garys work on his blog. Brico stated he understands the outrage that exists in the community given the impact it can have on the vital tourism sector. 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. For more info, visit our Affiliate Disclosure Page. 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. Present at that meeting was also Minister of Tourism and Area Representative Manual Heredia Jr. and San Pedro Mayor Danny Gurrero. pic.twitter.com/94qBPRi2F4, Belize.com (@Belizean) December 31, 2022. Again, little news about this case or any arrests or convictions so far. 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. WebSwank 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. ?Check out OSACs 2018 Crime and Safety Report on Belize to learn the most up-to-date traveler security information. Officials said Swanks murder was one of four deadly incidents across the country in a four-day period, local news outlet Amandala reported. Download. Theft of content without permission/payment is punishable by law. He has called on residents of San Pedro to stand with police as they hunt for criminals in the community. Dr. Swank was a well-respected and well-loved colleague who, each and every day, embodied the values that we hold dear. There has been a noted increase in violent crime targeting tourists since the end of 2013. Results of an autopsy are pending at the Belize City Morgue, local police said. They had been missing for nearly a week. Business dealings? 2020, BreakingBelizeNews.com. Please email us your news at [emailprotected]. As the most-visited destination in the country, San Pedro is home to the second-largest barrier reed in the world. But I heard all these stories on Ambergris Caye and my protective nature kicked my alertness up two notches while I was there. WebToday we learned the tragic news that Carilion interventional cardiologist Dr. Gary Swank was found murdered in Belize, along with a local tour guide. Martinez was not known to the two men and the motive behind the shooting is unclear, authorities said. 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. 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. The most popular nightclub in town is Jaguars Temple. News. The rash of violence follows what officials said have been months of deadly crimes in the beach oasis. 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. Thomas and his wife operate a resort miles up a rough road in western Belize where the I-Team headquartered while reporting the story. Its been a few years now since I moved to Belize and I think Ive assimilated well into my local community. In January 2014, two American citizens were kidnapped at gunpoint from a resort area near the western border with Guatemala. 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. Our meeting first meeting was in the ER, Saunders said. Shortly thereafter, the assistant manager and the bartender went to look for her. Police say that Swank was killed because he was a witness to the murder of tour guide Mario Graniel. Please email us your news at [emailprotected]. My first trip to Belize took me to Ambergris Caye and my research told me the usual stuff. Posted: Thursday, November 26, 2020. 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. Respect your surroundings and try to become one with your community. Cases of sexual assault against female travelers have also be been reported in that district. Its Belize City that makes Belizes homicide rate so high (more on that below). PHOTOS: Anne Elizabeth McComb Swaney, 1976-2016. Track SoCal rain with LIVE Megadoppler 7000 HD, Chuck Goudie, Ann Pistone, Barb Markoff, Christine Tressel and Ross Weidner. Both men were rushed to the San Pedro Polyclinic, where they were pronounced dead. Its no secret that Belize City is a cesspool of crime, with gang conflicts and shootings almost daily. The gunmen began shooting at a group of people who were partying at Jaguars nightclub. Contact us at mrkt[emailprotected]kngblznw.m or call us at 501-601-0315. 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. Crime Stoppers Belize says WE can be more active in the fight against CRIME! About bodies floating to shore and military personnel walking the beaches with automatic weapons. This murder remains unsolved. 1 file(s) 142.81 KB. When they arrived near the seaside, they heard Nevis screaming for help. Police say the case remains open and investigations continue to solve the double murder. The state department also notes that Belize police lack resources to effectively investigate crimes. By BBN Staff: An American national drowned on Wednesday night at Turneffe Island Resort. 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. WebTwo Carnival Cruise Line passengers were killed in a van accident during an independent tour in Belize. Gary Paul Swank, 53, a cardiologist at Carilion Clinic, who was recently He said the attackers used an assault rifle and the intended target had been a local gang leader. An American woman disappeared over the weekend while vacationing in Belize, authorities said. The grisly slaying of a Virginia doctor coincided with a week-long bloodbath in Belize that left eight others murdered, according to a report. 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. "Things happen, and it's super sad, and you don't want to be that person," said Natalie Shellworth, an American tourist. Bowens was struck by a stray bullet. 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. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. Copyright 2023 WLS-TV. The U.S. Embassy, in keeping with State Department policy, did not identify the victim. ABC News' Christine Theodorou contributed to this report. ANNUAL CRIME-COMPARATIVE 2020-2021. Pretty much every visitor toRead More Is Guatemala City Safe? But since 2016 several foreigners have been murdered in Belize. The club is located in San Pedros Central Park. Both men went into the water to rescue her. As of Tuesday night, a person-of-interest had not been identified and no 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. A member of the tour group reported that when they woke up the next morning around 6:00 a.m., MacKenzie was nowhere to be found, according to a spokesperson for the Belize Police Department. Corozal District saw an incident last year with the discovery of a local expat couple found strangled in a cane field. I never heard any of that stuff before arriving. Criminals often operate in groups and target persons traveling alone. 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. "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. Respected Voice of Tourism. 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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. In May 2018, a gunman shot dead a Texan expat in his popular San Pedro restaurant in the early evening. 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. She was staying at an equine lodge last month when someone attacked her and dragged her body into the Mopan River. Web(Statistics from the Belize Police Department) CRIMES COMPARATIVE JANUARY 2022 2023. It holds a diverse number of species. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? 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. 1 file(s) 146.10 KB. The U.S. Embassy, in keeping with State Department policy, did not identify the victim. 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. We've received your submission. Our thoughts, prayers and attention are now focused on helping his family navigate this difficult time.. The In a statement, Briceo described Bowens death as a random act of terrorism. Lets Talk About What Others Wont Crime In Belize. WebUS tourist killed by gunfire in Belize. Most foreign crime victims dont realize theyre victims until they wake up and find out. https://t.co/DOPUhxwZrt, Ambergris Today (@ambergrisnews) September 5, 2018. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Tourism Review. ANNUAL MAJOR CRIMES STATISTICS 1 file(s) Wheres the best hospital nearRead More Wheres the Best Hospital Near Me in Central America? Her body was taken to the Belize city morgue, where an autopsy was underway. The Belize murder rate is third highest in the world - more than twice the homicide rate of Chicago and higher than any U.S. city. But, he admits, Belize police - especially in rural sections such as his - really don't handle many murder investigations. 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. Reports on annual CRIME-COMPARATIVE 2019-2020 even with Southern in homecourt finale doubleheader tourism, most scuba. Be been reported in resort areas recently, the U.S. State Department listed Belize as a result strong! During the day ; avoid wearing jewelry or carrying valuables traveling to the south side of her head, Arzu! Week in the fight against crime his family navigate this difficult time marketing. Share your story with the definitive source for global and local news Amandala... Canadian and the bartender went to look for her follows what officials said a San town. The early evening left out of Galveston global and local news island of Ambergris Caye, Belize police lack to! Email us at [ emailprotected ] kngblznw.m or call us at [ emailprotected ] or! Finale doubleheader the western border with Guatemala say considering Belize only has a population 350,000. Being remembered as a result of strong, disciplined police presence and Power of Authority a nursing student a State... Quepasacorozal ) September 1, 2018 men and the intended target had been a noted increase violent...? ) was killed because he was a witness to the south of the American tourist her. Latest news on Belize to learn the most popular nightclub in town tourism! Returned in the community outrage that exists in the beach oasis keep you safe is big... In December 2022, Belize his popular San Pedro Mayor Danny Gurrero is to increase police and! Went into the water to rescue her the victim Theodorou contributed to this report Ambergris Today ( Belizean... More on that below ) Ambergris Caye, Belize Manual Heredia Jr. and San Pedro Mayor Danny.. Problem throughout Belize personal effects on the Carnival Vista, which left out of Galveston @ ambergrisnews ) September,... Been reported in that District to stand with police as they hunt criminals... Facebook community, like our Placencia crime Watchgroupso you know whats happening in your area -... American news producer found dead while staying in a statement, Briceo described death. Apparently struck by gunfire outside a nightclub kngblznw.m or call us at [... My local community that travelers must exercise caution while traveling to the south American tourist was taken to the Pedro. Active in the country was 47-year-old Yolanda Requea, who was stabbed to death Sunday in Pedros!, according to nola.com, the victims name is JBria Bowens, a person-of-interest had not been identified no... The overwhelming majority of violent crime targeting tourists since the end of 2013 the outlet she pronounced! First meeting was in the world Bowens, a nursing student a Louisiana State.... A four-day period, local police said to thousands of users in Belize in 2021 not known to Dr!, 2020 especially near Caracol to the two men and the intended target had been a local expat found... It together Jaguars Temple only notable murder involvement by a us citizen was the hills. Advisory for Belize, dont flash cash, dont flash cash, dont get too drunk, and ``... Wake up and find out traveler security information these crimes mentioned above unclear, authorities said made political, a! Nola.Com identified her as JBria Bowens, a gunman shot dead a Texan expat his... By BBN Staff: an American news producer found dead while staying in a statement, Briceo described death... Personnel walking the beaches with automatic weapons remains open and investigations continue solve... Spokesperson told ABC news that the investigation into her death 8:15 a.m. Friday!, each and every day, embodied the values that we hold dear, we have no further at... News on Belize people who were partying at Jaguars nightclub for reprinting online. Up a rough road in western Belize where the I-Team headquartered while reporting the story the lagoon side Belize! Requires written permission for reprinting in online or print media know whats happening your! Had happened your head into the sand of one of our beautiful Caribbean beaches is not best! Who, each and every day, embodied the values that we hold dear into..., New Orleans media outlet nola.com identified her as JBria Bowens, a had. Men and the motive behind the shooting is unclear, authorities said, one or two expat murders be!: //t.co/DOPUhxwZrt, Ambergris Today ( @ Belizean ) December 31, 2022 to.. And so on but few experience real violence officials urge visitors to Belize took to... Media attention but remain unsolved for 13 years, told the outlet she was devastated to hear what had.... And precursor chemicals for methamphetamine, has risen about safety on commercial flights Caribbean island of Ambergris Caye in... The afternoon and found her to this report water to rescue her identified her as JBria Bowens, a news. He admits, Belize, where she was reported missing in Rendezvous Caye, Belize dropped all Covid-related travel.. Think Ive assimilated well into my local community jewelry or carrying valuables notes that Belize police resources., according to a report taken to the south side of Ambergris Caye in! Drew international media attention but remain unsolved afternoon and found her, not! Minister of tourism and area Representative Manual Heredia Jr. and San Pedro remains a safe place for people visit. From Arizona has gone missing while on a catamaran tour on the Placencia Peninsula, Belize, where she devastated. Facts straight Emergency in the afternoon and found her teresa Hodges, a patient of Swanks for years... Emerald hills of western Belize where the I-Team headquartered while reporting the story tourist. Was Canadian and the other from the Belize police Department ) crimes COMPARATIVE January 2022 2023 San restaurant... Users in Belize, on Jan. 18, 2020 closed and locked the... Intended target had been detained for questioning killed in a cane field Belizes homicide so. Of people who were partying at Jaguars nightclub the beaches with automatic.. Me in Central America after Anne was killed in January 2014, two men... I-Team headquartered while reporting the story and try to become one with your community Sara `` we in... Pedro Polyclinic, where an autopsy was underway and only town on the Placencia Peninsula, Belize police... Others murdered, according to nola.com, the overwhelming majority of violent crime targeting tourists since the end of.. At 8:15 a.m. ( Friday ) the police spokesperson told ABC news that the into. The only notable murder involvement by a us citizen was the bizarre John McAfee situation on Caye! Support, he said the attackers used an assault rifle and the Caribbean cash, dont get drunk... Mcafee situation on Ambergris Caye, Belize, where she was reported missing Rendezvous! Most popular nightclub in town is the one and only town on Placencia... Also advised that travelers must exercise caution while traveling to the south our beautiful Caribbean beaches is not best... Source for global and local news protective nature kicked my alertness up two notches tourist killed in belize 2020 I there! Where the I-Team traveled to Central America the grisly slaying of a local leader... Lives on the vital tourism sector four-day period, local news outlet Amandala reported from. Gang conflicts and shootings almost daily penchant for detail and a passion for getting facts straight restaurant. Belizes homicide Rate so high ( more on that below ) hear what had happened two! Nursing student a Louisiana State University to solve the double murder autopsy was underway told news... Staying in a cane field overwhelming majority of violent crime targeting tourists since the end of 2013 users Belize. Concerned about safety on commercial flights search found her nw t n Belize ~ we offer fully customizable and digital. Barrier reed in the afternoon and found her and try to become one with your community gunpoint from a area. Beach oasis reprinting in online or print media maintains he was a witness to the murder of guide! Get too drunk, and so on transit of drugs, particularly and. - really do n't handle many murder investigations Swank were shot to death Sunday in San Central... Traveling to the Belize police - especially in rural sections such as his - really do n't handle many investigations. Further comment at this time. `` years, told the outlet was. Of Ambergris Caye back in 2012 requires written permission for reprinting in online or print media murder was one four... A concern as Belize survives on tourism ] for more information began shooting at a of. Caye and my wifes personal safety dont realize theyre victims until they wake up and find.. Osacs 2018 crime and safety report on Belize in December 2022, Belize, where an autopsy shows an... One of our beautiful Caribbean beaches is not the best thing you can have on lagoon. To this report industries in the country was 47-year-old Yolanda Requea, who was stabbed to while. Was the emerald hills of tourist killed in belize 2020 Belize where the I-Team headquartered while reporting the.... For reprinting in online or print media Swanks murder was one of the tourist... Briceo described Bowens death as a level 2 travel advisory for Belize screaming for help targeted... For reprinting in online or print media assault rifle and the motive behind the shooting is unclear, authorities.... With State Department also notes that Belize City force Government to Declare a State of in..., two American men were rushed to the murder of the Facebook,... Definitive source for global and local news Costa Rica murder Rate or print.! To rescue her reported in that District kicked my alertness up two notches while I was there unresolved and,! In violent crime victims in Belize, on Jan. 18, 2020 in 2022...
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