Mexico gang purportedly sorry for deaths of Americans

CIUDAD VICTORIA, Mexico –

Someone who claims to be the Mexican drug cartel allegedly responsible for the kidnapping of four Americans and the murder of two of them has condemned the violence and allegedly handed over members who were involved to authorities.

In a letter obtained by The Associated Press through a Tamaulipas state law enforcement source, the Scorpions faction of the Gulf cartel allegedly responsible for the kidnapping of the Americans apologized to the residents of Matamoros, the Mexican woman who died in the shooting, and the four Americans and them. families.

Drug cartels are known to issue statements to intimidate competitors and authorities, but also do some public relations work at times like these to try to smooth over situations that might affect their business.

“We have decided to extradite those who were directly involved and responsible for the events, who at all times acted in a lack of self-discipline and decision-making,” the letter said, adding that these individuals went against the rules of the cartel. which include “respecting the life and well-being of the innocent”.

The letter was accompanied by a photo of the five men, who were shown face down and bound, which was provided to The Associated Press by a source who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to release the document.

State officials did not immediately publicly confirm that the new suspects were in custody.

A separate state security official said that along with the letter, five men were found tied up inside one of the vehicles that authorities were searching. That official also spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk about the incident.

Last Friday, four Americans traveled from Texas to Matamoros so that one of them could undergo cosmetic surgery. In the afternoon, they were shot in downtown Matamoros and then loaded into a pickup truck.

Authorities found them Tuesday morning on the outskirts of town, guarded by a man who was arrested. Two of the Americans were killed, one was injured, the other was not injured.