Eight individuals lost their lives in a violent shooting incident that occurred in the Morelos state of Mexico over the weekend, as confirmed by local law enforcement. The tragic event unfolded on Saturday in Huitzilac, a municipality situated near Mexico City and the popular tourist city of Cuernavaca.
Four of the victims were pronounced dead at the scene, while the remaining four succumbed to their injuries after being rushed to the hospital, as stated by the Morelos prosecutor’s office. The victims’ ages varied between 29 and 50, with one individual’s identity still under investigation.
The bodies of the deceased have been moved to forensic medical service facilities as part of the ongoing investigation into the shooting. Huitzilac, a scenic township nestled among mountains and forests, has been struggling with issues such as illegal logging, kidnapping, and drug-related violence, largely due to its close proximity to Mexico City.
The town’s Mayor, Rafael Vargas, expressed his condemnation of the attack, labeling it a “terrible violent act” and called for an immediate end to the violence plaguing the town. Morelos, a favored vacation destination for residents of Mexico City, borders the Guerrero state, a region notorious for its drug cartel activities.
In a similar incident last November, a clash between police and alleged criminals in Cuernavaca resulted in nine deaths. This recent incident contributes to Mexico’s escalating murder rate, with an estimated 450,000 people killed nationwide since the government initiated a contentious anti-drug operation involving the military in 2006.
As the investigation into the Huitzilac shooting progresses, local authorities are striving to curb the persistent violence and ensure the safety of its residents. This latest incident serves as a grim reminder of the security challenges faced by communities across Mexico.