Belize: U.S. Tourist Shot and Killed Near Nightclub

A U.S. tourist died after a gunman attacked a nightclub in the tourist area of Ambergris Caye Island in the Central American country of Belize on December 30. This was confirmed by the U.S. Embassy in Belize on Sunday.

According to local Louisiana outlet WAFB-9, the victim was identified as 23-year-old J'Bria Michelle Bowens of Indianapolis, Indiana. She was a nursing student studying at Louisiana State University.

Bowens lost her life after a gunman opened fire outside Jaguar's Night Club in Ambergris Caye, Belize. The victim does not appear to be the target of the attack, as the gunman fired indiscriminately with an assault-style rifle, according to local authorities.

No other injuries have been reported following the attack.

Two Suspects Arrested in Connection to Attack That Killed U.S. Tourist in Belize

The investigation is ongoing, but Belize Police Commissioner Chester Williams announced on Saturday that two men have already been arrested in connection to Bowens' killing in Ambergris Caye. The Associated Press reported that they have already been charged with murder.

Williams confirmed that the gunman intended to kill a local gang leader. Bowens was just caught in the line of fire between two warring local factions on the island. It was reported that these gangs were rival drug gangs fighting over territory. Police are now seeking the intended target of the attack for questioning as well.

According to Crisis 24, the incident highlights the threat of gang-related violence within Belize. While the capital, Belize City, is already plagued with gang violence, there are areas, including San Pedro, where Ambergris Caye Island is located, that are deemed safe from such clashes.

However, this puts San Pedro's safety into question now that an American tourist has been killed in the area.

The U.S. Embassy in Belize stated they are now closely monitoring the local investigation. The country is currently listed as a Level 2 Travel Advisory. This means that the United States government is urging "increased caution" due to high levels of violent crime.

U.S. Tourist J'Bria Michelle Bowens Only Celebrating a Birthday When She Was Gunned Down in Belize

Reports stated that Bowens was in Belize with several family members to celebrate a birthday. They decided to spend it in one of the country's most touristy destinations, Ambergris Caye Island.

However, disaster struck after a gunman arrived outside Jaguar's Night Club in San Pedro's Central Park and started spraying bullets. She was rushed to Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II but was pronounced dead on arrival.

In June 2019, another American tourist was fatally shot in the area of Ambergris Caye. Virginia cardiologist Dr. Gary Swank was shot and killed as part of a double murder. A local fishing tour guide named Mario Graniel was the intended target. Like Bowens, Swank was just at the wrong place at the wrong time.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: "BLOODY CITY" BELIZE: San Pedro Central Park's Jaguars Nightclub Shooting On December 30, 2022. - lakebrothersmusicvideochannel