A chilling map shows where the bodies of three women were found in a tourist hotspot in Mexico within 11 days of each other, as concerns grow that there is a serial killer.
Authorities in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico — a major vacation destination believed to draw around two million American visitors each year — are investigating after three women were found dead within a span of less than two weeks.
The first woman was found on May 10 in the area of Rancho El Pirulí. Then, five days later, a second body was discovered at the side of the road near the highway leading to Mismaloya.
A third woman was found last week (May 14) on a dirt route close to the Parque Las Palmas neighborhood in Puerto Vallarta.
Investigators have noted apparent similarities between the latest case and the two earlier deaths, prompting closer scrutiny as the inquiries continue.
The women — said to be in their early to mid-30s — have reportedly not yet been identified. Reports also claim they were found partially unclothed.
The parallels described in early reports have fueled anxiety among residents and visitors, with some fearing the deaths could be the work of a serial offender.
Prosecutors have opened an investigation, though officials say ‘the preliminary information does not indicate that they are linked’, according to Mexican outlet Reporte Diario.
As part of their work, police are also assessing whether the women may have been killed elsewhere and later brought to Puerto Vallarta.
Investigators are reviewing relevant surveillance video, forensic findings, and prior reports to determine whether there is any connection between the cases.
Mario Braga, a Latin America security specialist, shared guidance with the Daily Mail for those in or planning to visit Puerto Vallarta.
“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.”
He also said: “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 incidents, the US has also updated its travel advice regarding the area.
A State Department spokesperson told Newsweek that the State of Jalisco — which includes Puerto Vallarta — is currently at a Level 3, meaning American citizens are asked to ‘reconsider travel due to terrorism, crime, and kidnapping’.