On Monday evening, May 20, 2024, six bodies were found in the popular resort city of Acapulco, Mexico, in the Pacific region. The victims, consisting of four males and two females, were discovered bound and strangled, hands secured behind their backs. This horrific find adds to a series of violent occurrences that have shaken Acapulco, a city once celebrated for its tourist attractions.

The victims’ identities are yet to be disclosed, with investigations still underway. As of now, law enforcement officials have not given any details regarding the motive behind these murders. However, the method of death by asphyxiation is a well-known technique used by Mexican drug cartels, who often resort to strangulation or suffocation using duct tape or plastic bags to kill their victims.

Just a week prior to this latest horror, five dismembered bodies were found scattered across Acapulco’s streets. Among the victims was a town council seat candidate from the nearby town of Coyuca de Benítez. Earlier, in April, Acapulco’s traffic police chief, Eduardo Chávez, was fatally shot. In February, two men were found strangled at the popular Condesa beach, exhibiting signs of torture involving neck ligature.

This recent spurt in murders has deeply disturbed the local community and heightened concerns about safety. “We are living in constant fear,” said a resident who wished to remain anonymous. “The violence is impacting our daily lives and our ability to earn a living.”

Acapulco’s problems are further aggravated by the aftermath of Hurricane Otis. This devastating Category 5 storm hit in October, causing considerable damage and claiming 52 lives. Many of the city’s hotels and infrastructure sustained severe damage, and the recovery process has been slow. The recent surge in violence further obstructs efforts to rebuild and revive its once-booming tourism industry.

The U.S. State Department has issued travel advisories cautioning Americans against traveling to Guerrero state, where Acapulco is located, due to the high incidence of crime and violence. “Crime and violence are widespread. Armed groups operate independently of the government in many areas of Guerrero,” the advisory states. “These groups often set up roadblocks and may resort to violence against travelers. In past years, U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents have been kidnapped.”

The local government is grappling to tackle the mounting violence. Despite the deployment of nearly 10,000 National Guard members and 6,500 soldiers, drug cartels continue to exert significant influence. Bus and taxi drivers are frequently coerced into working for these gangs. Non-compliance or failure to meet their demands results in brutal repercussions. In March, videos surfaced on social media showing gang members assaulting bus drivers for refusing to act as lookouts.

The violence has had a devastating impact on the tourism sector. Acapulco, once a crown jewel of Mexico’s tourist spots, has seen its reputation tarnished by ongoing violence. Many potential tourists are choosing safer destinations, leading to a significant economic downturn. “The violence generates a terrible reputation, which is bad for tourism,” commented the president of Acapulco’s National Chamber of the Restaurant and Seasoned Food Industry (Canirac).

The persistent violence in Acapulco underscores wider problems in Mexico’s judicial system, where over 80% of murder cases remain unsolved, and at least 90% of apprehended suspects are later released. The federal government has been trying to reform the court system, but progress has been slow.