F.B.I. Assisting Local Authorities with Double Murder Investigation
Chester Williams
Tonight, we know some more about the investigation into the murders of Mario Graniel and Doctor Gary Swank. The cold-blooded execution a few miles off of Ambergris Caye has left that island community reeling in shock and fear. And police have been hot on the murder trail. On Wednesday night, Commissioner of Police met with the San Pedro Community to discuss strategies and the way forward to curb growing crime on the island. During that presentation, Commissioner Williams informed the public that the F.B.I. is in Belize and providing support to local authorities to solve the murders. Williams also told reporters that they have since collected evidence from the area believed to be the murder site. Here’s an update on the status of the investigation.
Chester Williams, Commissioner of Police
“Where the investigation with this double murder is concerned. We have made significant progress. Our investigation is centered around two persons; a male and a female. We have also received assistance from the FBI. They are here in San Pedro. I just left from a meeting with them. They are looking at some of the evidence that we have collected. There is certain expertise that we do not have in Belize and I have asked them to see how best they can assist us with those expertise and they have agreed. So, we are hoping that with the expertise they bring to the table, it will aid us significantly how we approach and deal with the investigation.”
Reporter
“I understand also, given in the double murder over the week, police also made some progress in terms of finding some fishing rods and retrieving some expended shells. Would you be able to say?”
Chester Williams
“Yes, one of the things that I had directed as a part of the investigation was to bring the dive team to go and dive the area where we believe the incident may have occurred with a view to see if we can collect any evidence that may have been at the bottom of the sea. That was done and certain things were retrieved, so yes we have made some progress where that is concerned.”
Reporter
“In terms of the number of persons detained for questioning, would you be able to share?”
Chester Williams
“Yes. We have a female detained and some other male persons.”
Reporter
“Is the female known to any one of the victims?”
Chester Williams
“Well. I will not go into the details where that is concerned. That is all I am going to share at this point and as soon as we have additional progress then we will be updating the media.”
