Two Arizona women were found shot to death in an overturned vehicle on a dangerous stretch of highway in northern Mexico. The victims, aged 72 and 82, were dual citizens of the U.S. and Mexico. The attorney general’s office for the state of Sonora identified them as being from Caborca, Mexico. Investigators discovered a stolen Ford F-150 and an AK-47 along with ammunition that is believed to be linked to the murders. Security forces from three levels of government initiated an operation to locate and arrest the criminal group responsible for the killings with the help of specialized air and ground forces.
Sonora and the Sonoyta-Caborca highway are known for violence and trafficking of migrants. In June 2023, a California student conducting horticulture research in Sonora was found shot seven times in an SUV. In December, two U.S. residents and one U.S. citizen were shot at by gunmen while traveling on a highway in Sonora, resulting in the death of one of the men. The state was previously controlled by infamous drug lord Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman, who is serving a life sentence in Colorado. Despite his imprisonment, three cartels continue to war in Sonora, leading to ongoing violence and instability in the region.
The attorney general’s office for Sonora has launched an investigation into the murders of the two Arizona women, with support from the Mexican National Guard and the army. The authorities are working to locate and apprehend the criminal group responsible for the heinous act. There is a history of violence and criminal activity in Sonora, with incidents involving U.S. citizens in the past. The U.S. State Department has yet to respond to requests for comment on the situation, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced in dealing with transnational crimes and violence in the region.
The victims were identified only by their last names and ages, as 72 and 82. They were originally from Caborca, Mexico, before becoming dual citizens of the U.S. and Mexico. The discovery of the stolen Ford F-150 and the presence of an AK-47 and ammunition at the crime scene suggest a link to organized crime. The attorney general’s office in Sonora is working with the Mexican National Guard and the army to track down and apprehend the individuals responsible for the murders. The dangerous nature of the Sonoyta-Caborca highway and the prevalence of violence in the region underscore the challenges faced by law enforcement in addressing crime and maintaining public safety.
Violence and trafficking of migrants are common occurrences in Sonora, with incidents of violence involving U.S. citizens in the past. The presence of cartels and criminal organizations in the region has led to ongoing conflicts and instability. The arrest and imprisonment of Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman in 2016 did not bring an end to the violence, as three cartels continue to fight for control in Sonora. The recent murders of the two Arizona women highlight the continued challenges faced by authorities in addressing organized crime and violence in the region. Efforts are underway to locate and apprehend those responsible for the killings and bring them to justice.
The Mexican National Guard and the army are working with the attorney general’s office in Sonora to investigate the murders of the two Arizona women. The presence of a stolen vehicle and weapons at the crime scene indicates a link to organized crime. Security forces from multiple levels of government are conducting operations to track down and arrest the individuals responsible for the murders. The ongoing violence and criminal activity in Sonora present significant challenges for law enforcement and contribute to instability in the region. Despite efforts to address these issues, the situation remains complex, with ongoing conflicts between cartels and criminal organizations.
