A Belizean and a Tourist are Shot Dead in San Pedro

Gary Paul Swank & Mario Graniel

San Pedro residents were stunned on Sunday when word of a double murder spread across the island. Police on Ambergris Caye are investigating the deaths of Mario Graniel, a well-known tour guide.  Graniel was with Doctor Gary Paul Swank when both men came under gunfire at around ten o’clock that morning. The men were on a skiff out on the lagoon about a mile west of San Pedro Town. They were on a fishing trip when another vessel passed by and the persons on that boat opened fire on the unsuspecting duo.  Graniel was seen behind the steering wheel of the skiff with two gunshot wounds to the right lower foot, one to the right upper chest and one to the right side of the face.  Swank, a U.S. citizen, was seen floating face down in the lagoon about thirty feet away. He was shot in the chest, cheek, left arm and lower back.  Superintendent Hilberto Romero briefed the media.

Hilberto Romero

Supt. Hilberto Romero, Acting O.C., Crimes Investigation Branch

“They had multiple gunshots injuries. One of the decreased was on board the vessel while the other was in the water. Both were taken out and taken to the San Pedro Polyclinic where they were pronounced dead on arrival. We are working on several leads. We know that they were fishing in that particular area and thereafter the report came in that there had been a shooting. Police responded and that is what they found. The police there are conducting their investigation and I believe that some persons may have been detained at this time.”

Reporter

“So then the link between these people, any history between them?”

Supt. Hilberto Romero

“Well, I will not discuss that. The police have interviews to conduct and that is what they are presently doing.”