Saturday, April 25, 2026

Crime & Violence

Ernesto Caliz remanded for sexually assaulting a minor

64-year-old San Pedro Resident Ernesto Caliz has once again been accused of sexually assaulting a minor. This is the second reported case of Caliz sexually assaulting a minor. In December of 2016, he was charged for molesting a 3-year-old child.

San Pedro resident Raymond Lamb remanded for burglary

32-year-old Raymond Lamb of San Pedro Town is behind bars at the Belize Central Prison after he was arrested for stealing jewellery and valuables worth more than $40,000 from a hotel on the island. Lamb was tried in Belize City’s Magistrate Court as San Pedro Town’s Magistrate was not in office.

San Pedro Police release murder suspect Christian Espat after questioning

Wanted for questioning in the double-murder of Graniel and Swank, Christian Espat handed himself over to police, and on Monday, July 1st was released without charges.

National Security Council Announces Increased Security Measures

The National Security Council of Belize (NSC), chaired by the Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Dean Barrow, met in special session yesterday, June 27th, 2019 in Belmopan to discuss the crisis arising out of the recent murder of a tourist, Dr. Gary Swank, in San Pedro. The NSC recorded its grave concern over the tragic development and its implications particularly for the tourism industry in Ambergris Caye and nationally.

San Pedro residents Melvin Montesino and Silverio Cal still missing

Despite continuous searches, San Pedro residents 26-year-old Melvin Montesino, and 26-year-old Silverio Cal have not been found. Both men were reported missing on Thursday, June 13th after they headed to the north side of Ambergris Caye via motorcycle.

Police have detained one person in connection with the death of Mario Graniel and Dr. Gary Swank

The San Pedro Sun has confirmed that a prime suspect, believed to have played a main role in the double murder of Mario Graniel and Dr. Gary Swank, has been detained.

Commissioner of Police visits San Pedro Town and provides updates on murder of Mario Graniel and Dr. Gary Swank

The Commissioner of Police was on the island to lend support to the SPPD, and after a closed door meeting, told the media that a suspect had been identified, and information has been sent to all police outposts across the country with said suspect’s identification.

Tour guide Mario Graniel and Dr. Gary Swank shot and killed at sea

On June 23, 2019, Fly Fisherman Mario Graniel and guest Dr. Gary Swank were gunned down while at sea. As island residents mourn the loss of lives, San Pedro Police are scrambling for answers and no arrests have been made. Meanwhile, local authorities remain silent on this latest shocking tragedy.