Thread: American Expat Shot and Killed in Bocas del Toro

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - I received a press release via email last night informing me that an English speaking expatriate, Kim Crofts, was killed in his home on Friday night by an armed intruder. Here's the press release: "At approximately 9:00 p.m. on Friday the 12th of September, Kimberly (Kim) Crofts of Solarte Island in Bocas del Toro died of multiple gunshot wounds in his home by an unknown assailant. It is not known if robbery was the motive. Certain individuals are being questioned or detained and the investigation is ongoing. His wife, Mary Austin Crofts, was not harmed. She is currently staying with her friends, Melody Burt and Carlin Jacobson. The community is in shock, as Kim Crofts was well-loved by all. Further information will be released as it becomes available." (more) (Photo: Focus Panama)
Press Release Continues:

• "Law enforcement is complaining that they are overwhelmed by calls from citizens asking FOR information, rather than providing law enforcement WITH information. This takes up a lot of their time that they could be using to investigate. PLEASE DO NOT CALL THE POLICE unless you can provide information about the crime."
• "Mary, her family and friends would like to express their gratitude to the community for all of the support and offers that have been made. The greatest need right now is to catch and prosecute the perpetrator. A reward fund is being set up for information leading to the capture and successful prosecution of this individual and donations are urgently requested, as time is of the essence. For information on how to contribute, please contact Mark Johnson of Beyond Bocas Real Estate at 6444-6463 or mj32459@yahoo.com."Mary regrets that she cannot take everyone's call, but you may leave her messages with Melody Burt, 6683-1369 or beyondbocas@yahoo.com, Donna at Bubbles, 6591-3814, or Jim Jackson at 6531-2870. Thank you."

Armed Home Invasion: I spoke to Donna who said an armed intruder came into their home. The couple had already laid down for the evening and they saw the guy coming in. Kim got up and went after him, and the gunman ran away firing behind him as he ran. At least one of the bullets struck and killed Kim, and he was so gravely injured that there was no opportunity to try to evacuate him to get medical care.
Copyright 2008 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.

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When I was in Bocas I felt that the locals viewed me as a target. It is a beautiful area but many locals are extremely poor and desperate. My deepest sympathy goes out to Crofts and their family.

If you have ever been to Bocas, feel bleesed. Paradise for those who are good!

Originally Posted by MRWOOHOO

When I was in Bocas I felt that the locals viewed me as a target. It is a beautiful area but many locals are extremely poor and desperate. My deepest sympathy goes out to Crofts and their family.

Just wondering, why the locals become so poor if there is beautiful site there? why don't they make money from it? I think they can get money from tourist, without violence

Well I'm guessing they are poor due to the lack of education and opportunities suitable for them. They lose hope and turn to violence and crime. The man who shot this innocent guy for instance was probably so scared of the guy catching him and going to prison that he pulled the trigger without thinking. Of course that was a rather cruel and stupid move, but fear can lead to such things. I've lived in Central America for a good while and have visited there a couple of times since and the poor people there who don't resort to crime are the ones who don't lose hope. Having previously faced some minor poverty myself, it's no laughing matter and sometimes you are tempted to take the easy way out..

I think the governor should help them, is there any government program that try to helps this poor people?

Unfortunate incident. This will frighten off more tourists and strain the revenues of the provincial government. It is easy to fall in to a false sense of security when you visit unfamiliar places. Panama is no different.

That is very sad. This is one of the main reasons i don't agree with making guns legal but that a whole different story.

I felt the same as JustSayWooHoo

Went there with my girlfriend and we got fleeced by a local.
Live and learn... but you won't see me living there anytime soon.

Matt

Originally Posted by No-Non-Sense-Matt

I felt the same as JustSayWooHoo

Went there with my girlfriend and we got fleeced by a local.
Live and learn... but you won't see me living there anytime soon.

Matt

What actually happened out there? I visited Bocas 2-3 times and didn't faced much trouble. (But I should say that I had a few Spanish speaking friends in my group). I had bitter experiences in some other parts... but not in Bocas...