A popular resort town for American tourists in Mexico may have a serial killer on the loose, officials said, as they probe connections between the murders of three women.
Puerto Vallarta police are reviewing evidence, surveillance footage, and reports to determine whether the deaths are connected.
All the women who died were in their early-to-mid thirties and had tattoos. The bodies were partially undressed in isolated areas, police said.
On May 10, the first female victim was found near a well-known viewpoint, Rancho El Piruli. The second victim was found at a roadside stop along a highway nearly a week later.
The most recent body was discovered at a dirt road in the Parque Las Palmas neighborhood.
No identities have been confirmed, but local reports suggest the third woman could be missing 22-year-old Elizabeth Martinez from Mexico.
Tattoo marks were located on the neck, hand, and arm, and consisted of a skull, a woman with horns, and a name. Her body showed signs of violence, Mexico News Daily reported.
The investigation remains in its early stages, officials said, as they look into the possibility the woman’s bodies were simply transported to Puerto Vallarta after being murdered elsewhere.
The swirling speculation around a potential serial killer may do more damage to the resort town’s reputation this year.
Earlier in February, the town was devastated by burned-out buses and looted shops after cartel members took revenge for the death of the notorious Jalisco New Generation Cartel’s top boss El Mencho.
American tourists were stranded in the city as they witnessed the violence.
Paul Tumpowsky, chief revenue officer for Fora Travel, told The Post that travelers to the area should have a “heightened sense of awareness, not to the point of ruining your vacation, but being smart.”
“This is a time to think about and plan a little bit more about what’s the appropriate amount of risk you’re willing to take,” he said.
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