Two Canadians were shot dead and one injured while vacationing at the Hotel Xcaret Mexico, in Playa del Carmen last Friday, January 21. Police say this was due to a dispute between the guests. The shooter is at large and a manhunt is underway.
Regional police chief, Lucio Hernández Gutiérrez, posted a photo of the suspect online. The suspected gunman was a hotel guest, seen on CCTV footage wearing a light blue tracksuit.
The Quintana Roo state prosecutor’s office released that both victims had criminal records.
A Canadian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said on the matter, “Global Affairs Canada is aware of reports that Canadian citizens have been affected by an incident in Mexico. Consular officials are contacting local authorities to gather more information and stand ready to provide consular assistance.”
The accident was reported to have happened near an outdoor dining area at the resort. Reports have shown an increase in violence towards tourists visiting Mexican Mayan Riviera in the last few months. The increase in violent crime has caused Mexican president, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, to send 1,500 troops from their National Guard to patrol the region.