Fear of a serial killer is mounting in one of Mexico’s most popular tourist destinations after the bodies of three murdered women were discovered in Puerto Vallarta in less than two weeks.
Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage, forensic evidence and police reports to determine whether the killings are connected and whether a serial killer could be responsible.
The most recent victim was found Thursday morning on a dirt road near the Parque Las Palmas neighborhood off Camino Viejo a Mojoneras, according to Mexico News Daily. The horrific discovery prompted authorities to compare the circumstances of her death to two similar cases already under investigation.
Officials say the first victim was discovered May 10 near Rancho El Pirulí in the Chimborazo area, while a second woman’s body was found days later at a roadside stop along the highway to Mismaloya, according to local reports.
All three women appeared to be between 30 and 35 years old, were found partially undressed and had multiple tattoos. Each body was discovered in isolated or lightly traveled areas of the city, intensifying speculation that the killings may follow a pattern. Authorities have not officially identified the victims.
Local reports, however, suggest the woman found Thursday may be 22-year-old Elizabeth Martinez from the State of México, who was reported missing in late April. That has not been confirmed.
According to Mexico News Daily, the victim had tattoos on her neck, hand and arm, including images of a skull, a horned woman and a name tattooed on her forearm. Her body also reportedly showed signs of violence, leading authorities to open an investigation under homicide and femicide protocols.
Investigators are exploring whether the women may have been killed elsewhere and their bodies later abandoned in Puerto Vallarta.
They are also comparing evidence from all three scenes to determine whether they could be linked or whether the similarities are coincidental.
Meanwhile, the growing rumors of a possible serial killer have fueled concern among both residents and tourists in the beach destination.
It comes just months after Puerto Vallarta was rocked by cartel violence tied to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. In February, burned-out buses and looted businesses disrupted the city after cartel members retaliated following reports surrounding the death of cartel boss El Mencho.
Paul Tumpowsky, chief revenue officer for Fora Travel, told The New York Post that travelers should maintain 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.
