ABC 7 Chicago producer found killed in Belize

An executive producer at ABC 7 Chicago was found killed Friday while traveling in Belize, ABC 7's I-Team reported.

Anne Swaney, a Chicago resident and Missouri native, was on a vacation in the Cayo District of western Belize, a popular destination for American adventure travelers and horse enthusiasts, ABC 7 said. She was staying at the Nabitunich Farm near a tiny town called San Jose Succotz.

Hotel owner Santiago Juan said Swaney was killed on "public land" near the hotel. He had reported her missing Thursday afternoon.

Swaney skipped a horse expedition Thursday when there weren't enough horses, Benque Viejo police said. Those on the horse tour returned to find her personal effects suspiciously on a deck but did not find her in her cabin.

Authorities said Swaney was taken to San Ignacio Hospital in Belize and pronounced dead. Bruises were found on her neck and lacerations on the sides of her head, they said.

Investigators questioned a man seen fishing near the scene but do not consider him a suspect, police said.

There is not a nationwide tourist advisory in effect for Belize, ABC 7 reported, but tourists are told to exercise caution because of increasing violent crime throughout the country. In the Cayo District, armed robberies occasionally occur near the western border with Guatemala, especially near Caracol to the south.

Cases of sexual assault against female travelers have also be been reported in the Cayo District, ABC 7 reported.