3 Dead, and 2 Survivors in Matamoros Kidnappings
posted by Kayla Mady | March 14, 2023 | In NewsFour Americans who were traveling to Mexico were ambushed near the border on March 3. Two of the passengers were confirmed dead, the other two survived.
On March 3, Latavia McGee was traveling from South Carolina into Mexico to undergo a tummy tuck. Along with her in the white van were Zindell Brown, Shaeed Woodard and Eric James Williams. The crew of four had crossed over into Mexico from Brownsville, Texas, when shortly after they were open fired on by cartel gunmen and were taken up in the middle of the road. One local person, Arely Servando, 33, was also killed in the cross-fire.
They were later found on March 7 in a wooden house in the area of Lagunona, just outside of Matamoros, Mexican officials announced at a news conference. One of the deceased was located outside of the house, and another was located inside. Authorities would later confirm that the two deceased were Woodard and Brown. McGee and Williams were the two survivors. However, Williams was found with three gunshot wounds and required medical attention.
Officials are saying that this was apparently a case of mistaken identity and that the four were assumed to be members of a Haitian gang. They later did arrest a man connected to the kidnapping whom they called Jose N.
Early Thursday, police in Matamoros discovered 5 men, bound with zip ties, accompanied by a letter. The letter stated that the individuals before authorities acted without the approval of the Gulf Cartel. An apology was also written, strongly condemning those responsible.
The state has announced they recommend avoiding traveling through Matamoros as they have announced it has a level 4 travel advisory, meaning “do not travel.” They recommend staying alert for state department travel warnings. It is also recommended that tourists already there or for any who decide to travel to Mexico to stick in their resorts, and to avoid buying alcohol or drugs of any sort.
The FBI is currently working with Mexican authorities to investigate into the situation further. The Biden administration says they will be imposing some sanctions against cartel groups.
Stock Photo courtesy of Raymond Clarke Images
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