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No leads yet in murder of American television producer

By on January 18, 2016
Anne Swaney

Anne Swaney

Benque Viejo del Carmen, CAYO. Monday, January 18, 2016. TNC: The murder of an American journalist Anne Elizabeth Swaney in Belize late last week continues to make international headlines.

And a good portion of the discussion on social media has not been particularly flattering of the jewel.

On Saturday, the Belize Police Department released the results of the post mortem examination on the body of Swaney, indicating that she was strangled.

Mopan River (Police photograph)

Mopan River
(Police photograph)

Police in Benque Viejo del Carmen town have brought charges of illegal entry against Guatemalan national 24 year old Victor Franco, who was caught fishing illegally in he Mopan River where in the vicinity of where Swaney’s body was found floating face down on Friday morning.

Franco has pleaded guilty to the immigration offence and was given a fine of $1,000.

The resident of Melchor de Mencos, Guatemala has since been handed over to police who continue to question him about his presence in the area where Swaney’s body was found.

According to an online report, the slain journalist’s father Jack Swaney gave an interview to the television station where Anne worked tearfully telling the media station that two years after losing his son to a heart condition, he now has to bury his daughter.

“I’m not strong. I’m a mess,” Jack Swaney told ABC-7 in Chicago, Illinois.

Meanwhile, the Belize Tourism Board (BTB), today issued an official statement on the murder of Anne Swaney.

The statement reads: “Our deepest condolences are with Anne’s family and anyone touched by this horrible act. While this is a tragic situation that requires the full attention of the Belize Police Department, violent crime in Belize has seen a double digit reduction in the past year. Over one million people visited Belize last year, and while it is extremely rare for a tourist to fall victim to a violent crime, we will remain committed to the safety and security of all people who visit.

“Belizeans of all stripes have a reputation for welcoming visitors and tourists regularly commenting that their visits were relaxing and enjoyable. In fact, part of the reason this horrible crime has garnered such media attention is because violence against visitors to Belize is so uncommon. In the coming weeks, we plan to reach out to stakeholders and visitors, and will work closely with government representatives to ensure we are doing everything we can to provide visitors with the carefree, relaxing visits they have come to expect.”

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