Fly in. "Not all countries have the same medical standards that we have here in the U.S. You open yourself up to different risks such as different infection rates, different medications available," Dr. James Shoukas with Lake Mary Plastic Surgery said. 0:53. The murder rate has surged in Baja California Sur in the past three years. The FBI is investigating the death of a North Carolina woman found Kolko encourages anyone traveling to Mexico to enroll in the U.S. State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). Kitty Bennett contributed research. Several cartels are fighting for control of the Caribbean coast and its lucrative retail drug trade. While Americans sometimes get entangled in violence in northern Mexico, a shared border nearly 2,000 miles long with large swaths dominated by drug cartels and criminal organizations, it is unusual for U.S. nationals to be kidnapped in Mexico. The 69-page report, "'When We Moved, They Shot': Laws of War Violations in the September 2022 Kyrgyzstan - Tajikistan Border Conflict," is the most detailed human rights account to date . This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, Mexican prosecutors have filed charges against a suspect in the death of Shanquella Robinson, a 25-year-old American woman who died on Oct. 29 while on vacation with six of her friends in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. RELATED: FBI says not to travel to parts of Mexico for spring break after 2 Americans are killed during kidnapping. The FBI did not immediately comment Thursday. After 25-year-old Shanquilla Robinson died while vacationing in Mexico last month, the friends who were with her blamed it on alcohol poisoning. Jerry Wallace, acousin of Williams, told the AP the family's happy he's alive butdoes not accept the cartel's apology. You saw one, you saw all four. At least some of them had recently moved to Myrtle Beach, he said. Authorities located them Tuesday morning on the outskirts of the city, guarded by a man who was arrested. Latavia 'Tay' McGee posted about slain Cabo tourist Shanquella Robinson According to WCNC-TV, the letter also identifies a murder suspect. Authorities said both Hartman and White may be . CNN's Randi Kaye reports. Shanquella Robinson Died In Cabo. Amrico Villarreal, the Tamaulipas governor, said the authorities found medical laboratory tests in the Americans car that seemed to indicate that one of the Americans had come to undergo cosmetic surgery.. The family of a North Carolina woman found dead last month in a vacation rental property in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico is still looking for answers more than two weeks after her death. In an email, the State Attorney Generals Office for Baja Sur confirmed the cause of death was severe spinal cord injury and atlas luxation.. It lists the cause of death as "severe spinal cord injury and atlas luxation," and says she died within 15 minutes of injury. Mexico has seen a significant rise in femicides in recent years, increasing from 427 victims in 2015 to 1,004 in 2021, per Vision of Humanity. Forensic technicians at a scene in Matamoros, on Tuesday. Robinsons parents would like to see someone arrested for their daughter's death, although no one, to date, has been. Shanquella Robinson killed by friends on vacation in Mexico Certainly go to Mexico, but be careful. Herrera has tirelessly campaigned to help find missing persons across Mexico, inspired by the disappearance of her own sons. She said the administration has worked to disrupt cartels through sanctions imposed on criminal groups. Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. Hope speculated the attack on the Americans may have started as a robbery before escalatinginto an international incident, prompting cartel leaders to offer the five men as scapegoats. (2016 Getty Images) Two senior citizens vacationing in Cabo San Lucas died after being swept by a large wave as they were walking along the beach. Caleb Kennedy performs May 9, 2021, on 'American Idol.'. Mexico remains the number one international spring break destination for U.S. travelers, but some areas of the country in recent years have increasingly become hot spots for crime and drug cartel activity. He and Harvey, a 73-year-old retired physical therapist, had planned to spend a week south of the border. It'll update you on safety conditions in the area and also help family and friends reach you in case of an emergency. On Wednesday, Channel 9 obtained Robinson's death certificate. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our, Digital The letter states attorney Sue-Ann Robinson went on a "fact-finding mission" in Mexico where she met with local authorities to discuss the case. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. Alfredo Estrella/Agence France-Presse Getty Images. It comes at a critical moment for the security relationship between Mexico and the United States, as Republican members of Congress have proposed a bill that would allow the U.S. military to combat organized crime south of the border and as several states push to label drug cartels terrorist groups. At another site in a wooded area on the outskirts of Cancun, he said, authorities foundunidentified human skeletal remains belonging to three other people. The official autopsy report, however, says that medical officials came to see her before 3 p.m., after which she was rapidly declared dead from sustaining an injury to her spinal cord and neck. During the initial confrontation between the victims and the kidnappers, an innocent Mexican citizen was killed, according to Ken Salazar, the U.S. ambassador to Mexico. If the investigation does not indicate Robinson was killed because of her gender, it will be re-classed as a standard homicide, a spokesperson for the AGs office said, adding, The simple fact that the victim is a woman doesnt determine that its a femicide.. We urge Americans to read these alerts before traveling, Ms. Jean-Pierre said. Theyll clean up their own mess.. But by Tuesday, the Mexican authorities confirmed that her brother was dead, one of the two Americans in the group who were killed after gunmen attacked their car hours after they had crossed into the dangerous border town of Matamoros, in Tamaulipas state last week. A Mexican drug cartel claiming its members were behind the brazen kidnapping of four Americans last week handed over five of the members and left a note of apology, Mexican media outlets and . One of Robinsons friends is being accused of the murder, though investigators have not identified whom. In October, a 25-year-old American woman was killed near the resort town of Cabo San Lucas. Attorneys Ben Crump and Sue-Ann Robinson, who are representing Robinson's family, sent a letter to Biden and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken calling for "swift diplomatic intervention" on the victim's behalf, according to a press release. He and Harvey, a 73-year-old retired physical therapist, had planned to spend a week south of the border. authenticate users, apply security measures, and prevent spam and abuse, and, display personalised ads and content based on interest profiles, measure the effectiveness of personalised ads and content, and, develop and improve our products and services. By clicking Sign Up, I confirmthat I have read and agreeto the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. Meanwhile, Puerto Vallarta, another spring break hotspot, is under a level 3 risk which means travelers should reconsider going citing crime and kidnapping as major concerns. Neurosurgeon talks brain tumor warning signs after UGA student dies 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. The State Attorney General's Offices office (PGJE) told The Daily Beast that at approximately 6:15 p.m. on Oct. 29, they received reports about a foreign female who lost her lifein a beach club in San Jose del Cabo., State Criminal Investigation Agents went to the scene where the initial investigation was carried out under the corresponding protocols, the office said in a Thursday statement. Caleb Kennedy, Ex-'American Idol' Star Still in Jail - Billboard Setzer also posted a map with his favorite windsurfing spots in the area south of San Quintn. Hirschsohn, 78, an avid windsurfer and retired aerospace engineer, had been renting a home in El Socorrito for the past 35 years, family members said. Five bodies were found at an abandoned building site,Montede Oca said, according tothe AP. How could they do this to my baby? Bernard Robinson told The North Carolina Beat. Some 30,000 people have disappeared in Mexico since drug violence increased sharply around 2007. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Market data provided by Factset. The video raised suspicions that Robinson may have died at the hands of people she was traveling with. With Trevor Peterson, Persia White, Caitlin Gerard, Demetri Goritsas. The woman . A video apparently taped at the luxury villa in San Jose del Cabo shows one woman, apparently an American, beating another woman identified as Robinson. If you need help with the Public File, call (954) 364-2526. Her friends said they found Robinson unconscious on the living room floor of their villa, and the propertys concierge summoned a doctor who was unable to revive the young entrepreneur, according to WJZY, which reported that the death certificate issued by the medical examiner in Cabo said nothing about alcohol poisoning or Robinson having been intoxicated when she died. Craig Harrison, a dual South African and Canadian citizen, had gone missing on August 29. The murder rate has surged in Baja California Sur in the past three years. (Reuters). However, the autopsy report provided to the family said something very differentRobinsons neck had been broken and spine severed, the local medical examiner determined. Elda Cant, Oscar Lopez and Zolan Kanno-Youngs contributed reporting. Mystery Death of American on Cabo Vacay Is Being Treated as a Homicide "When I introduced myself, she did not greet me or smile. Robinson, 25, of Charlotte, was found dead under suspicious circumstances on Oct. 29 at the rented San Jos del Cabo villa she was . Alcohol. Mexican authorities have not publicly named the American woman they are seeking to extradite, but have confirmed it is one of her friends. Kyrgyzstan/Tajikistan: Apparent War Crimes in Border Conflict Less than 24 hours later, Robinson was dead. They all need to be in jail right now in Mexico and they shouldnt have been let go.. Americans are being urged to think twice before traveling to Mexico. Legal Statement. Searches for clandestine grave sites have become common throughout the country. Charlotte woman's death in Cabo being investigated as killing, state AG The day of her passing, Robinsons friends initially told her parents that their daughter died from alcohol poisoning. Shanquella Robinson Case: New Details Revealed in Letter to Biden - People The U.S.-Mexico border is one of the busiest in the world, with young Mexicans crossing north to shop or attend private high schools, and American nationals going south to buy cheap medication or undergo medical procedures that are unaffordable at home, from dentist appointments to cosmetic surgery. The two others in the group survived one suffered a gunshot wound in his leg. Jerry Robinette, a former special agent in charge ofHomeland Security Investigations in San Antonio, said he wasnt surprised the cartel handed to Mexican authorities the five men it claims were involved in the attack. Don't flash cash. Next, there will be warrants for their extradition to the U.S. to face criminal charges, Robinette said. In 2021, more than 200 Americans died in Mexico, State Department figures show, but most of those deaths were either accidents, suicides or drug-related. 8 bodies found in Cancun near hotel zone of travel destination: AG The State Departmenthad posted a Level 4: Do Not Traveladvisory for when they were kidnapped, citing crime and kidnapping in the region. Investigation deepens after viral video shows beating of woman who died The other people on the trip with Robinson have not responded to repeated requests for comment from The Daily Beast. Charlotte resident Shanquella Robinson died while on vacation in Cabo, Mexico, on October 29. The group Robinson was traveling with, however, left Mexico after she was found dead in a rented villa. Who is Mara Herrera, Mexicos madre buscadora who made it onto the Time 100 list? Mexico investigates death of US tourist seen in viral fight video Is Cabo San Lucas Safe for Travel? Travel Advisory (April 2023) Authorities have said cartel members probably mistook them for drug smugglers and abducted themafter shooting their van. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. But some people may be reconsidering their travel plans after four Americans were kidnapped and two of them killed when they traveled last week to Matamoros, Mexico. Its not good for their business. Prosecutors in the state of Baja California Sur said in a statement they are investigating the death of a woman they identified only as a foreigner, at a resort development in the town of San Jose. Mother demands answers after autopsy shows woman who died on Cabo In it, a man with an American accent can be heard saying, Can you at least fight back? The man did not appear to intervene in the beating. More than 150,000 have been killed since then, when former president Felipe Calderon sent the army out to battle drug gangs. We will continue to work closely with the Mexican government to make sure justice is done in this case, she said. Robinsons mother, Salamondra, later told Good Morning America that the day before the autopsy report was released, Robinsons friends went over to her house and each told her a different description of what happened in Mexico. Mother of 3 siblings killed in Texas says she's heard nothing - Yahoo TAMPA, Fla. - A retired FBI special agent is warning travelers to do their homework before heading to Mexico after four Americans were kidnaped, with two of them being killed, and the other two being rescued, according to U.S. State Department officials. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. "In our letter to President Biden and Secretary Blinken, we clearly stated that one of two things needs to happen: either the U.S. extradites Shanquella's killer to Mexico or the U.S. takes jurisdiction of the case and her killer is prosecuted here," Crump said, per the release. (Reuters) The bodies of 11 men and three women were found in a mass grave near the tourist resort of San Jose del Cabo. Their remains were found on Thursday and foul play is suspected. American Killing: Directed by Justyn Ah Chong, Matthew D. Ward. And just a few days before the four Americans were kidnapped, an American citizen was killed. If you do not want us and our partners to use cookies and personal data for these additional purposes, click 'Reject all'. They were last heard from on August 28 when Harvey texted her son, Robert Harvey, saying they were setting out to visit a gold mine or hit the beach. The criminal groups that operate throughout the country often avoid targeting American nationals, fearful of the blowback it will cause with U.S. law enforcement. Los Cabos is located at the southern tip of Mexico's Baja California Peninsula and is an especially popular destination for American tourists. Photos circulating on social media show five men on the pavement with their hands tied four of them shirtless in front of a pickup truck, which has a handwritten letter of apology on the windshield. How much safer do you feel in Mexico City now compared to years ago. Photograph:. My dad Ian has a house in El Socorrito and is a seasoned veteran of Baja travel.. Former 'American Idol' contestant Caleb Kennedy released from jail ( NewsNation) - Mexican officials are calling for an American woman to be extradited after filing charges against her in the death of North Carolina tourist Shanquella Robinson last month.. Her Mom Wants Answers Salamondra Robinson' daughter died on a Cabo San Lucas vacation with friends and she wants to know what happened By CT Jones November. By Natalie Kitroeff,Maria Abi-Habib,Jack Nicas and Jacey Fortin. Shanquella. or redistributed. A lonely man's voyeuristic obsession with the private lives of his co-workers spirals into a desperate attempt for attention and a violent spectacle of horror. A backpack full of rocks was affixed to his back. Three expats have been found dead in Baja California and Baja California Sur this week. The FBI is also involved in the ongoing investigation. You really cant put a price on your health," Shoukas said. In 2016, according to my analysis of the data, more Americans were reported killed by homicide in Mexico than the combined total of Americans killed by homicide in every other country abroad. Many times weve seen the cartel will police themselves, he said. Karine Jean-Pierre, the White House press secretary, said on Tuesday that the Biden administration was in touch with the families of those kidnapped. Prosecutors in the state of Baja. Shanquella Brenada Robinson (January 9, 1997 - October 29, 2022) was an American businesswoman, founder of a women's fashion clothing line, hairstylist and social media personality from North Carolina, United States, who was murdered while on vacation in Mexico.. She died on October 29, 2022, shortly after travelling with a friend and a group of loose acquaintances to the Mexican resort town . Mystery Death of American on Cabo Vacay Is Being Treated as a - Yahoo The State Department did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment. Timeline of the Americans kidnapped in Mexico, cartels 'apology'. AMERICAN WOMAN WOUNDED IN MEXICO RESORT OF SAN JOSE DEL CABO. four Americans were kidnaped, with two of them being killed, and the other two being rescued, Suspected Seminole Heights serial killer Howell Trae Donaldson pleads guilty to 4 murders, Marine deputies save father, son that pulled 100 yards offshore by rip current, Two shot in St. Pete hotel parking garage taken to hospital, police say, Bride in golf cart killed by speeding drunk driver, police say, Bucs linebacker Shaquil Barrett's 2-year-old daughter drowns in family swimming pool. He began investing in vacation properties in Los Cabos in the 1980s before moving to Baja California Sur permanently in 1997 where he and his wife Lori worked in real estate and ran a vacation rental business. Authorities found Robinson dead in the living room of her vacation rental in San Jose del Cabo on Oct. 29, according to an autopsy report, but initial local police reports offer different timelines on what happened that day. Robert Harvey spoke of his mothers love for Mexico. As for the state of Tamaulipas, near the border where the four Americans were kidnaped, it's under a level 4 risk the highest with the State Department warning not to travel there as it has the greatest likelihood of life-threatening risks. He was always willing to work and always very friendly, said Regina Downs, a manager at the Monterey Bay Suites. Is Mexico travel safe? Pilar Melendez. By. Incarcerated Workers are Exploited 'Captive Labor': ACLU April 13, 20236:18 AM ET. On Sunday, Ms. Grant saw a video circulating on social media of four people being pulled onto a pickup truck. In March 2022, a British resident of Playa del Carmen was shot and killed in broad daylight . We, Yahoo, are part of the Yahoo family of brands. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Is travel to Mexico safe? What about Cancun, Cabo, Playa del Carmen Little has been done in the intervening years. Two of the Americans were later found dead, and another two were receiving medical care. girl or woman is killed because of their gender. CABO SAN LUCAS Mexican prosecutors have filed charges against a U.S. woman suspected of killing another American seen being beaten in a viral video. Orangefirst alerted authorities to concerns about their safety when she called police Saturday, the day after the other four had crossed the border. You have reached your limit of free articles. Religion and identity meet in Mexico Citys Iztapalapa, A quick guide to Mexico Citys many Pueblos Mgicos, DEA: 2 Mexican cartels pose greatest criminal threat ever faced by the US, Electrolit: a Mexican solution for surviving the heat. Teacher Allegedly Shot, Killed by Husband Who Was Arrested in Pa. After Daughter Called 911, Woman Allegedly Used Social Media to Find and Kill Doppelgnger So She Could Fake Her Own Death, travel mates allegedly insisted she died of alcohol poisoning. "Do not drive across the border if you want to go to Mexico. The group had planned to return in time to check out of the motel Saturday, according to the police report. . Magazines, Digital A day later, she was dead. Don't dress so much like an American wearing uniforms from baseball teams or football teams," retired FBI Special Agent Richard Kolko said. By Associated Press CABO SAN LUCAS, Mexico Mexican prosecutors have filed charges against a U.S. woman suspected of killing another American seen being beaten in a viral video. Her travel mates allegedly insisted she died of alcohol poisoning, but an autopsy conducted by Mexican authorities showed that her death was caused by violence specifically, "atlas and medullary dislocation," according to the autopsy. 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