Episode 09 — The Expat Killer in Panama: William “Wild Bill” Holbert

Panama

Nov 15

Listen here:

Destination: Bocas del Toro, Panama
Imagine a tropical paradise where solo travelers turn to expats, living under the sun as digital nomads, business owners, or retirees. Until one day, an expat serial killer arrives. Enter William “Wild Bill” Holbert—a man who used charm and deceit to lure his victims in, only to rob and murder them.

In this episode of True Crime Travelers, we uncover how this serial killer operated undetected for years, examine what made travelers especially vulnerable to his schemes, and discuss essential safety tips for solo and female travelers navigating unfamiliar places.

What the hell happened with
Wild Bill in Bocas del Toro, Panama

About “Wild Bill”…

➙ Real name was William Dathan Holbert
➙ From Hendersolville, North Carolina
➙ Currently 45 years old
➙ Convicted in 2010

SOURCE: NIEUSBLAD.COM

Everything we mention on
Episode 09 of True Crime Travelers

If you haven’t listened to the episode, listen here:

▸Wild Bill Holbert and Laura Reese when they were going by the fake names of “Bill Cortez” and “Laura Cortez”.

SOURCE: TAPASTALK.COM

▸Laura Reese’s fake Dutch Passport

SOURCE: TAPATALK.COM

▸Cher Hughes, one of Wild Bill’s victims

SOURCE: TAPATALK.COM

▸Bo Icelar, another of Wild Bill’s victims

SOURCE: CRIMINALISTICA, CRIMINOLOGIA Y ASESINOS RJ FACEBOOK

▸Both Wild Bill and Laura were arrested when trying to flee to Nicaragua

SOURCE: ABOGADO.COM.PH

▸Wild Bill was convicted to 50 years in prison, Panama’s max sentence.

SOURCE: ENSEGUNDOS.COM.PA

▸Wild Bill has now become a “Brother Bill” and turned to religion after considering taking his own life in jail.

SOURCE: PANAMAPRISONMINISTRIES.WORDPRESS.COM

▸Read the one-star review from Cher's guesthouse, Casa Del Sapo, left after her death here.

SOURCE: TRIPADVISOR

WHERE IT HAPPENED…Bocas del Toro, Panama

A town on Panama’s Caribbean coast, known for its pristine beaches and incredible nature…but also for being secluded and pretty off-the-grid, making it a ideal spot for people running away from something…like Wild Bill.

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Never travel without travel insurance!

Whether it’s a canceled flight, a lost bag, or a last-minute doctor’s visit,
this affordable travel insurance is like having a safety net for travelers and nomads.

We’re not here to scare you,
we’re here to prepare you.

A mini-guide on what to do in Bocas del Toro, Panama…

Bocas del Toro is a stunning archipelago located on Panama's Caribbean coast, known for its laid-back vibe, pristine beaches, vibrant marine life, and rich cultural heritage. Comprising several islands, this area offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, with activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, and wildlife watching. It’s no surprise that this area is such a beloved area for expats from all around the world.

Whether you’re visiting for a few days, or moving there for a season, you’ll never run out of things to do.The area is also home to diverse ecosystems, including rainforests, mangroves, and coral reefs, making it a haven for nature lovers and eco-tourism enthusiasts. With its warm, tropical climate, Bocas del Toro is an ideal destination for anyone seeking a tropical escape with both natural beauty and cultural charm.

Here are some of the highlights in Bocas del Toro and the surrounding area…

Have a beach day at Starfish Beach, enjoy white sands, and swim with starfish in crystal-clear waters on Isla Colón.
Enjoy the sun at Red Frog Beach – Visit Isla Bastimentos for stunning beaches, just beware of the (in) famous red poison dart frogs, which this beach is named after!
Go snorkeling at Coral Cay, and explore vibrant coral reefs and marine life like sea turtles and rays.
Take a day trip to Zapatilla Islands, a series of pristine, uninhabited islands known for their idyllic beaches and great snorkeling.
Go bird-watching at Bird Island (Isla Pajaros), and spot seabirds like frigatebirds and brown boobies on this wildlife-rich island.
Go Surfing at Isla Carenero or Isla Bastimentos, where you’ll find waves and surf breaks for all levels.
Go Dolphin Watching at Dolphin Bay. Take a boat tour to see playful dolphins in their natural habitat, which is the best way to see these incredible animals!

Bonus!

▸On this episode, we also tell you about our favorite camping gear: Natural Life.
This is the video we mentioned where you can check out our BFF-Camping setup!