Officials are examining a potentially unsettling clue that could connect three women found dead in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, earlier this month.
Roughly two million Americans travel to the popular resort area each year, but the recent fatalities have raised fears that the deaths may be connected — and that a serial offender could be involved.
The first body was found on May 10 near Rancho El Pirulí in the Chimborazo area. Days later, a second victim was discovered near a busy highway at a roadside stop.
Not long after, a third deceased person was located on a dirt road in the Parque Las Palmas neighborhood.
Investigators say they have identified a troubling similarity among the victims that could indicate the cases are related.
All three were discovered partially undressed in secluded parts of the resort area, and each reportedly had distinctive tattoos.
According to Mexico News Daily, the third victim had tattoos on her neck, hand, and arm. Police also said the body showed signs of violence.
Authorities are continuing to look into whether the deaths are linked and whether the pattern suggests a serial perpetrator.
Mario Braga, a Latin America security specialist, shared advice with the Daily Mail for people in Puerto Vallarta as the investigation continues.
“I think the best advice is, of course, to monitor how the situation evolves,” he told the outlet.
“It can quickly change and there can be triggers that lead to an escalation of violence.”
The expert added: “If you are in a different country, it’s important to understand the kind of local dynamics that may help mitigate these security risks.”
In the wake of the deaths, the US updated its travel guidance for Puerto Vallarta.
A State Department spokesperson told Newsweek that Jalisco — the state that includes Puerto Vallarta — is listed at Level 3, advising Americans to ‘reconsider travel due to terrorism, crime, and kidnapping’.
The State Department’s website explains: “There is a risk of violence in the state from terrorist groups, cartels, gangs and criminal organizations. In Guadalajara, battles between criminal groups have happened in tourist areas. Shootings between these groups have injured or killed innocent bystanders.
“U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents have been kidnapped. There are no restrictions on travel in the Guadalajara Metropolitan area, Puerto Vallarta (including neighboring Riviera Nayarit), Chapala, and Ajijic.”