Six bodies were discovered late Monday night, May 20, 2024, in the Pacific resort city of Acapulco, Mexico. The victims, four men, and two women were found bound and strangled, their hands tied behind their backs. This gruesome discovery adds to a string of violent incidents that have plagued Acapulco, a city once known for its tourist attractions.
The identities of the victims have not yet been released, and the investigation is ongoing. Authorities have not provided details on the motive behind these killings. However, the method of asphyxiation is a common tactic employed by Mexican drug gangs, who frequently use strangulation or suffocation with duct tape or plastic bags to execute their victims.
This latest atrocity comes just a week after five dismembered bodies were scattered across the streets of Acapulco. Among those victims was a candidate for a town council seat in nearby Coyuca de Benítez. In early April, Eduardo Chávez, the chief of traffic police in Acapulco, was fatally shot. Earlier, in February, two men were discovered strangled on the well-known Condesa beach, showing signs of neck torture, which authorities referred to as “torture by ligature.”
The recent wave of murders has profoundly unsettled the community and heightened safety concerns. “We are living in constant fear,” stated a resident who requested anonymity. “The violence is impacting our daily lives and our ability to earn a living.”
Acapulco’s troubles are compounded by the aftermath of Hurricane Otis, a Category 5 storm that struck in October, causing widespread destruction and killing 52 people. Many of the city’s hotels and infrastructure were severely damaged, and the recovery has been slow. The recent violence has further hindered efforts to rebuild and restore its once-thriving tourism industry.
The U.S. State Department has issued travel advisories warning Americans against traveling to Guerrero state, where Acapulco is located, due to the high levels of crime and violence. “Crime and violence are widespread. Armed groups operate independently of the government in many areas of Guerrero,” the advisory states. “These groups often set up roadblocks and may resort to violence against travelers. In past years, U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents have been kidnapped.”
The local government has been struggling to address the escalating violence. Despite the presence of around 10,000 National Guard and 6,500 soldiers on the streets, the drug cartels continue to wield significant power. Bus and taxi drivers are often forced to work for the gangs, and those who refuse or fail to comply with their demands face brutal consequences. Videos shared on social media in March depicted gang enforcers assaulting bus drivers for failing to serve as lookouts.
The impact of the violence on the tourism industry has been devastating. Acapulco was once a jewel of Mexico’s tourist sector, attracting visitors worldwide. Now, the city’s reputation is marred by ongoing violence. Many tourists opt for safer destinations, and the local economy is suffering. “The violence generates a terrible reputation, which is bad for tourism,” said the president of the National Chamber of the Restaurant and Seasoned Food Industry (Canirac) in Acapulco.
The ongoing violence in Acapulco highlights broader issues within Mexico’s judicial system, where more than 80% of murder cases go unsolved, and at least 90% of suspects arrested are subsequently released. The federal government has been attempting to overhaul the court system, but progress has been sluggish.