Two Canadian citizens died this Friday in a shooting at the popular Xcaret Hotel, located in the Caribbean city of Playa del Carmen, in the Mexican Caribbean.
A third person was injured and the authorities carry out a search and capture operation in the state of Quintana Roo to find the person responsible.
The Mexican prosecutor confirmed that those involved in the shooting have criminal records related to trafficking of drugs. During the past few months, the Riviera Maya has been affected by acts of violence, with shootings being recorded in various tourist locations.
“The first person who lost his life had a criminal record: drug trafficking, false identity use -among others-. The death of another person who was injured is confirmed (…) also with a criminal history”, detailed the prosecution on its Twitter account.
UPDATE: The first person who lost his life (https://t.co/oRSVAHKHIn) had a criminal record: drug trafficking, false identity use -among others-. The death of another person who was injured is confirmed. (RJD) also had a criminal record
— Attorney General QR (@FGEQuintanaRoo) January 22,
The Reuters agency indicated that the aggressor also has a criminal record for robbery, drugs, weapons and property crimes in Canada.
The head of the regional police, Lucio Hernández Gutiérrez, published online photos of the alleged gunman, who would be a hotel guest.
This is the guest who shot causing the injuries that later caused the death of one of them, the authorities of the coordination group deploy a strong operation for his capture, any information for a prompt arrest will be deeply appreciated. pic.twitter.com/PRDC0hhBBe
— Lucio Hernández Gutiérrez (@Lucio_HG) January ,
The photos show the attacker wearing a light blue tracksuit. In one photo he is seen holding a gun. In another, he appears to be holding a mobile phone and a third photo shows him sitting in a chair.
Hernández Gutierrez did not say why the argument took place. A graphic video posted online shows that the incident appears to have taken place near an outdoor dining area.
The three victims were taken to the hospital. According to El Universal, one of the people died in an ambulance and the other in the medical institution located in the municipality of Solidaridad.
The Xcaret Group said that “it is a directed and isolated event” and that it will cooperate fully with the authorities for its clarification.
In November, two alleged drug dealers died during a gunfight in Cancun, on a beach that is very popular with foreign visitors.
A month earlier, another Canadian tourist died during a shootout between criminal gangs in Tulum, a popular beach destination, Reuters reported.
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