2 Women Found Dead in Mexico

Two women holding dual US and Mexico citizenship were found dead in Mexico, raising questions about safety and prompting a thorough investigation.

At a Glance

Two Arizona women aged 72 and 82 were shot to death on a highway in northern Mexico.
The victims were dual citizens of the US and Mexico, from Caborca, Mexico.
A stolen Ford F-150, an AK-47, and ammunition were discovered and believed to be connected.
The Sonora region, known for violence and migrant trafficking, is under security scrutiny.
Local and international incidents highlight growing safety concerns in Mexico.

Details Surrounding the Incident

The tragic incident occurred on a notorious highway in northern Mexico, where two elderly women from Arizona, aged 72 and 82, were found shot to death in an overturned vehicle. The victims were dual citizens of the United States and Mexico, originally from Caborca, Mexico. Their deaths have sparked an investigation by security forces from multiple levels of government to locate and apprehend those responsible. The discovery of a stolen Ford F-150 truck, an AK-47 assault rifle, and ammunition provides critical leads for investigators.

Two Arizona women, ages 72 and 82, were found dead in an overturned, bullet-ridden Nissan Pathfinder in the state of Sonora, Mexican officials said. https://t.co/aYICJF7Yp3

— CBS News Texas (@CBSNewsTexas) August 25, 2024

Besides this incident, previous occurrences of violence in Sonora include the shooting of a California student in June 2023. The Sonora region has a notorious history, once controlled by drug lord Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman, with three cartels currently clashing for dominance.

Broader Patterns of Violence in Mexico

A separate tragic incident from earlier this year involved two Australian brothers and an American, whose bodies were found in a well in Mexico. The victims were on a surfing trip to the Baja peninsula, where thieves allegedly killed them to steal truck tires. Their remains, along with a fourth older cadaver, were discovered in a remote well, leading to the arrest of three suspects.

The victims included brothers Jake and Callum Robinson from Australia, and American Jack Carter Rhoad. The chief state prosecutor suggested that the victims resisted the theft, resulting in their deaths. Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers expressed his deep sympathy for the Robinson family and questioned the safety of camping along Mexico’s coast.

Local and International Reactions

The incidents in Sonora and the Baja peninsula have drawn significant attention. A protest in Ensenada voiced widespread anger and sadness over the deaths of foreigners in Mexico. Additionally, surfers held a “paddle-out” ceremony to honor the victims, stressing the solidarity of the surfing community in the face of tragedy.

The local expatriate community has also expressed serious concern about the dangers of traveling and camping in Mexico, particularly in areas known for cartel activity. The search efforts for these missing foreigners have also brought up debates about the disparity in response compared to local Mexican victims.

Safety Amid Ongoing Cartel Violence

The safety of people in Mexico remains a pressing issue. The violence involving criminal groups, including cartel-related threats, poses severe risks, evident from recent tragic events.

As security forces in Mexico continue their operations to curb these violent outbreaks, the international community stays vigilant. The tragedies require robust dialogue on improving safety protocols and addressing the rampant violence plaguing parts of Mexico.