An American serial killer, William Dathan Holbert, known as "Wild Bill," was convicted in Panama for murdering five American citizens in Bocas del Toro between 2007 and 2010. He allegedly murdered his neighbors to steal their properties and cash.
The five victims have been identified as Michael Brown, his wife and teenage son; Bo Icelar; and Cheryl Lynn Hughes. Panamanian police say Holbert confessed to the cold-blooded murder of these individuals.
Neighbors, including Sandi Hodge, described Holbert as loud and wild, but no one thought he was a killer. The couple, who introduced themselves as Bill and Jane Cortez, arrived in Bocas del Toro around 2007, posing as wealthy real estate entrepreneurs.
Holbert was captured in 2010 while trying to flee through Nicaragua and sentenced in 2017 to 47 years and one month in prison. He was first held in David prison and then transferred to La Mega Joya.
On January 8, 2026, Holbert wrote a letter to the Minister of Government, Dinoska Montalvo, stating that he was recommended for a transfer, but nothing has happened. He also complained that there is no technical board in his sector to evaluate his case.
"I want someone to see my situation and do something," he wrote. Holbert also asserts that a recommendation exists in some file, but no one has bothered to act on it.
In the letter, he mentions that he has fulfilled his duties within the prison, but his sentence has not been commuted. He added that no one reviews his case, no one makes decisions, and no one calls him to explain anything.
