US couple dies after armed attack in Mexico while they were on vacation

• US Couple Killed in Michoacán, Mexico
• Shooting Incident in Angamacutiro
• Investigation Ongoing

A couple of US citizens fell victim to a shooting in the municipality of Angamacutiro, Michoacán, Mexico.

The incident occurred on the evening of Wednesday, December 11, as confirmed by local authorities.

This marks another violent episode in a region plagued by organized crime groups.

Preliminary reports from the State Attorney General’s Office have identified the victims.

US Couple Shot and Killed in Mexico

The couple has been identified as Rafael C., 53, a U.S. native, and María Gloria A., 50, a naturalized U.S. citizen born in Mexico.

Both resided in California and had traveled to Michoacán to celebrate the holidays with family.

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The armed attack took place while the couple was in their vehicle.

It was later found riddled with bullets on a street in Angamacutiro.

María Gloria died at the scene, while Rafael, severely injured, was taken to a nearby hospital where he succumbed to his wounds hours later.

Magdalena Guzmán, spokesperson for the Attorney General’s Office, indicated that the motives for the attack remain unknown.

“There is no immediate information on why the couple was targeted,” she stated, as reported by The New York Times.

The U.S. Department of State confirmed awareness of the incident and issued a statement.

“We are aware of reports regarding the deaths of two U.S. citizens in Michoacán, Mexico,” they said.

“We are working to gather more information and stand ready to provide consular assistance if necessary,” they added.

Located near the border with Guanajuato, one of Mexico’s most violent states, Angamacutiro has witnessed a string of violent acts recently.

In October, armed men killed the local police chief, and the former mayor was kidnapped earlier this year and remains missing.

American couple executed in Michoacán

The couple had a family and a house in the municipality of Angamacutiro, where they were murdered; The city council canceled festive events.
An American couple died after being shot in violence-stricken Michoacán,… pic.twitter.com/KJfJ2QgB9L

— Palabra del Caribe – Quintana Roo News (@palabracaribe) December 13, 2024

In 2020, the brother of Juárez, a local congressman, was also shot dead, according to Diario.

Violence in Michoacán is largely attributed to rival drug cartels fighting for control over trafficking routes and local economies.

This poses significant challenges for President Claudia Sheinbaum’s new administration.

“Rest assured, we will reduce crime rates,” Sheinbaum said during a security meeting in Acapulco.

She outlined four pillars of her strategy: providing youth with employment and educational opportunities to prevent their involvement in organized crime.

As well as strengthening the National Guard and local police forces, enhancing intelligence and investigations, and improving inter-agency coordination.

The president expressed confidence in her approach.

“When asked if the strategy will work, I am convinced it will,” she stated.

#Michoacan Armed thugs shoot to death a couple in Angamacutiro

The victims came from the US to spend the celebrations with their families

+Info https://t.co/Sm6TLweuLv pic.twitter.com/Lsh85uxYDd

— Changoonga.com (@michangoonga) December 12, 2024

Recent incidents, including the Angamacutiro attack, highlight the ongoing challenges in ensuring public safety during Sheinbaum’s tenure.

The murder of the U.S. couple underscores the risks faced by locals and visitors in high-crime areas.

Tourism is one of Mexico’s main economic drivers.

But it continues to face challenges due to organized crime-related violence.

Investigations into the case are ongoing, and Mexican authorities are withholding further details to protect the case’s integrity.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Embassy in Mexico remains in contact with local authorities and the victims’ families, according to The New York Times.

This tragedy highlights the urgent need to bolster public safety and justice efforts in regions like Michoacán, where citizens live under the constant threat of violence.

It also underscores the necessity of addressing organized crime, as emphasized by Diario.

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