Panama’s Caribbean paradise is known for turquoise water, reggae rhythms, and backpacker beaches — but for a time, the islands were also linked to one of the country’s most disturbing criminal cases. The story of “Wild Bill of Bocas” became widely known because it unfolded in a place travelers associate with relaxation, not crime. While the events shocked residents and visitors alike, they also revealed how remote communities can sometimes hide dark secrets.
The man known as “Wild Bill” is William Dathan Holbert, a U.S. citizen who lived for several years in Panama’s Caribbean region. Before his arrest, he presented himself as a friendly expatriate involved in local business ventures. Many people who met him described him as charismatic and persuasive, traits that helped him gain trust within the community.
Bocas del Toro — The Setting
The crimes were connected to the island region of Bocas del Toro, one of Panama’s most popular travel destinations. Known for diving, surfing, and laid-back island life, the area has long attracted expatriates seeking affordable property and a tropical lifestyle. This mix of locals and foreigners created a close-knit but diverse community.
Holbert arrived in Panama in the mid-2000s and settled in the Bocas region. He promoted business ideas and formed relationships with other expatriates, often presenting himself as an entrepreneur. Over time, authorities began investigating disappearances linked to people who had interacted with him.
In 2010, Panamanian authorities arrested Holbert and his partner after uncovering evidence connecting them to multiple killings. The case quickly gained international attention because several victims were foreign nationals living in Panama. Investigators worked across jurisdictions to piece together what had happened.
The investigation was complex due to the remote geography of the islands and the international backgrounds of those involved. Law enforcement agencies in Panama led the case, and it became one of the most widely reported criminal investigations in the country’s modern history.
Holbert eventually confessed to several killings during legal proceedings. Courts in Panama convicted him, and he received a long prison sentence under Panamanian law. His case remains one of the most notorious criminal prosecutions involving a foreign resident in the country.
Today, Holbert remains incarcerated in Panama. He is serving his sentence within the national prison system under the authority of Panamanian courts. His imprisonment effectively ended one of the country’s most shocking criminal episodes involving an expatriate community.
The case had a lasting impact on the Bocas del Toro region. Local residents and long-term expatriates became more cautious about business partnerships and property dealings. Authorities also increased scrutiny of certain activities involving foreign residents.
Despite the notoriety of the case, Bocas del Toro continues to be a major tourism destination. Visitors still arrive for its beaches, reefs, and wildlife. The region’s reputation today is shaped far more by its natural beauty than by the events connected to Holbert.
For many observers, the story of “Wild Bill of Bocas” highlights how appearances can be misleading. A person who seemed ordinary in daily life was ultimately revealed to have committed serious crimes, a reminder of why communities depend on strong legal institutions and cooperation with authorities.
Panama’s justice system handled the case through investigation, prosecution, and sentencing under national law. The proceedings demonstrated how crimes involving foreign nationals are addressed within the country’s legal framework.
The story also became part of modern local history in Bocas del Toro, often discussed as a cautionary tale among residents and expatriates. It remains a reminder that even peaceful tropical destinations are not immune to crime.
Today, Holbert’s name is associated primarily with his conviction and imprisonment. He remains in custody in Panama, and there are no indications of release in the near future under his sentence.
Ultimately, the legacy of the case is not defined by fear but by resilience. Bocas del Toro remains a vibrant Caribbean destination, while the justice system’s response showed how Panama confronts serious crime within its borders.