American Couple Executed on Vacation in Mexico, U.S. Departments Warn of Rising Violence
An American couple, Rafael Cardona, 53, and his wife Gloria Cardona, 50, were tragically executed while on vacation in the western Mexican state of Michoacán on Wednesday. The couple was traveling in a pickup truck when they came under fire and were shot to death in the municipality of Angamacurito.
Rafael, a naturalized U.S. citizen, was shot as he was driving near his home and was rushed to a local hospital, where he died. His wife, Gloria, was also shot and killed at the scene. The incident has sparked widespread concern and raised questions about the safety of traveling to Mexico.
The State of Michoacán is notorious for its high crime rates, with at least 1,170 murders reported between January and November of this year. The region is home to various drug cartels, including the Familia Michoacana, Sinaloa Cartel, and Jalisco New Generation Cartel.
The U.S. Department of State has issued a travel advisory warning Americans about the dangers of visiting Michoacán and has issued a do-not-travel advisory due to the high crime and kidnapping rates.
The couple was in Mexico to celebrate the holidays with their loved ones, and their murder is a stark reminder of the risks and dangers faced by tourists and locals alike in the region.
As the investigation continues, the Michoacán State Attorney General’s Office is leading the inquiry and has yet to make any arrests. The U.S. Department of State is providing consular assistance to the families affected by this tragic incident.
Mexico’s President, Claudia Sheinbaum, has defended her security strategy, stating that the strategy of “hugs, not bullets” will eventually yield results, declaring that there is a coordinated effort to combat crime and drugs. However, the country’s high crime rates and homicide rates continue to plague the region, leaving many to question the effectiveness of the government’s approach.