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, 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. CHICAGO (WLS) -- The ABC7 I-Team reports on What my research didnt tell me was about gunfire at night and conflicts at the Mexican border between drug runners. I never heard any of that stuff before arriving. Alison MacKenzie is pictured in this undated handout photo. 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. Copyright 2023 WLS-TV. The transit of drugs, particularly cocaine and precursor chemicals for methamphetamine, has risen. ANNUAL My first trip to Belize took me to Ambergris Caye and my research told me the usual stuff. Published by Teresa Romero , Feb 17, 2022. But we are now witnessing more serious crimes creep into the south and out to the islands where the tourists go. Bowens was apparently struck by gunfire outside a nightclub. Remember, were only talking about foreigners murdered here. 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. This story has been shared 130,601 times. 2019, BreakingBelizeNews.com. His absence leaves a void in our team and in our community. https://t.co/EWrcbLmyKs, Que Pasa Corozal (@QuePasaCorozal) September 1, 2018. In January 2016, a vacationing news anchor from Chicago died in Cayo District. 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. Wheres the Best Hospital Near Me in Central America? And then just this month, a US retiree living in Hopkins was found, although arrests have been made in this case. 1 file(s) 146.10 KB. Swaney is being remembered as a newsroom leader with a penchant for detail and a passion for getting facts straight. "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.". Police say criminal activity, including armed robbery, mugging and sexual assault, is a significant problem throughout Belize. If youre moving here, get involved with a Neighborhood Watch scheme they do exist here. News. The police spokesperson told ABC News that the investigation is ongoing and nothing has been ruled out. 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. But, he admits, Belize police - especially in rural sections such as his - really don't handle many murder investigations. Track SoCal rain with LIVE Megadoppler 7000 HD, Chuck Goudie, Ann Pistone, Barb Markoff, Christine Tressel and Ross Weidner. Until recently, the only notable murder involvement by a US citizen was the bizarre John McAfee situation on Ambergris Caye back in 2012. 1 file(s) 142.81 KB. Bowens was struck by a stray bullet. For more info, visit our Affiliate Disclosure Page. Download. The US State Department confirmed the incident, but provided no further comment. Its been a few years now since I moved to Belize and I think Ive assimilated well into my local community. 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. Join BBN mailing list for the latest news on Belize. Read it here: https://t.co/crTR6zsohu. 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. Dont look wealthy, dont flash cash, dont get too drunk, and so on. All Rights Reserved. We've received your submission. Both men went into the water to rescue her. One of the primary industries in the town is tourism, most notably scuba diving. PHOTOS: Anne Elizabeth McComb Swaney, 1976-2016. "A horse riding tour returned in the afternoon and found her personal effects on the deck. He said the attackers used an assault rifle and the intended target had been a local gang leader. At least 125 murders were committed in Belize in 2021. 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. Police say that Swank was killed because he was a witness to the murder of tour guide Mario Graniel. There is not a nationwide tourist advisory in effect for Belize. Only three percent of Belize homicides result in convictions. "Due to privacy considerations, we have no further comment at this time.". 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. Tourists in Belize are often victims of theft, but few experience real violence. 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. The commander in charge of the Anne Swaney investigation says he received training in the U.S. from the FBI. 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. We often hear I woke up and my computer/phone/purse was missing. 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. Drugs? 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. 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. They were identified as Ernest Wills Sr., 49, Travis Cooke, 23, Allison Jones, 19, Jamar Martinez, 23, and Winston Santos, 40. "We offer our sincerest condolences to her family and loved ones on their loss," said a U.S. State Department spokesman in Washington. The I-Team traveled to Central America after Anne was killed. Is Guatemala City Safe? Present at that meeting was also Minister of Tourism and Area Representative Manual Heredia Jr. and San Pedro Mayor Danny Gurrero. Hotel owner Santiago Juan tells ABC7 Chicago she was killed on "public land" near the hotel. 2020, BreakingBelizeNews.com. Download. An American woman disappeared over the weekend while vacationing in Belize, authorities said. 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. Also, Belize is no longer requiring testing for entry, regardless of vaccination status. If he had not been the type of doctor that he was, I probably would not have seen him. This should be a concern as Belize survives on tourism. A Canadian filmmaker was killed in January 2015 to the south of the district. Her body was taken to the Belize city morgue, where an autopsy was underway. Content is copyrighted and requires written permission for reprinting in online or print media. Download. Advertise with the mt vtd nw t n Belize ~ We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages. 1 file(s) 142.81 KB. Business owner Lamont Lipka shot and killed in San Pedro The San Pedro Sun https://t.co/rambnluOZE via @SanPedroSun, The San Pedro Sun (@SanPedroSun) May 14, 2018. We are heartbroken at his loss. She was reported missing in Rendezvous Caye, Belize, on Jan. 18, 2020. Nevis then reportedly walked toward the seaside. Gary Peterson lives on the Placencia Peninsula, Belize, where he writes books about Central America and the Caribbean. Advertise with the mt vtd nw t n Belize ~ We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages. 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. pic.twitter.com/94qBPRi2F4, Belize.com (@Belizean) December 31, 2022. (And Which Parts Should I Visit And/Or Avoid?). Police say the case remains open and investigations continue to solve the double murder. 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. 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. 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. #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. Authorities say its complicated because of the proximity to the Guatemala border. Officials said a San Pedro resident was killed three days later by two unknown masked men. "Definitely it hits the entire industry of Belize for tourists," said Karen Pike, Belize Tourism Board. A physical check showed bruises on her neck and lacerations on either side of her head," Arzu said. 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. 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. 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. I treat everyone the same, ask for help, and return the favor. As his - really do n't handle many murder investigations my research told me the usual stuff check. Into my local community of the Anne swaney investigation says he received training in the U.S. from the FBI online. Also, Belize, authorities said on tourism Christine Tressel and Ross Weidner killed he... Swank were shot to death while on a fly-fishing tour on the Placencia Peninsula, Belize police especially. No further comment at this time. `` and return the favor the notable... 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