Angamacutiro, Michoacán, Mexico – A couple holding U.S. citizenship was shot and killed while traveling through a rural area of Michoacán, according to a statement from the State Attorney General’s Office. The victims, identified as 50-year-old Gloria Ambriz and 53-year-old Rafael Cardona Aguilera, were attacked while driving a 2016 black Ford Platinum pickup truck along a highway in the municipality of Angamacutiro.
According to initial reports, the gunfire claimed Gloria’s life at the scene. Rafael, who sustained severe injuries, was transported to a hospital in Puruándiro, where he succumbed to his wounds a short time later. Authorities have initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack, and no clear motive has been established at this time.
Victims Had Deep Roots in Michoacán
The couple, who had obtained U.S. citizenship, maintained strong family and cultural ties to Michoacán. Officials confirmed that both victims had relatives in Angamacutiro and owned a home there. Rafael was the brother of Lucía Cardona, wife of Hermes Pacheco, who serves as the town’s mayor. The couple had reportedly returned to the region to spend time during the December festivities, taking advantage of their connections to the area.
Authorities are considering whether these local ties played a role in the attack or whether it was an unrelated act of violence. Meanwhile, the municipal government of Angamacutiro expressed condolences, stating, “We express our deepest condolences to their beloved family; we send them our solidarity and we pray for their prompt consolation.”
Ongoing Investigation Amidst Rising Violence
The Attorney General’s Office in Michoacán has begun collecting evidence, including ballistic materials found at the crime scene. Investigators are also examining the vehicle’s license plates, registered in the Lázaro Cárdenas neighborhood, as part of their efforts to identify suspects and possible motives.
No arrests have been made, and authorities have not released further information regarding potential perpetrators. Officials have noted that they are in communication with U.S. counterparts to facilitate international collaboration as the investigation progresses.
A U.S. State Department spokesperson acknowledged the incident, stating, “We are aware of reports of the deaths of two U.S. citizens in Michoacán, Mexico. We are working to gather more information and stand ready to provide consular assistance if necessary.”
Michoacán’s Ongoing Security Challenges
The double homicide underscores the persistent security challenges facing Michoacán, a state frequently cited for violence and criminal activity. Organized crime groups competing for control over drug trafficking routes and extortion operations have contributed to ongoing unrest in the region.
Recently inaugurated President Claudia Sheinbaum has pledged to apply nationwide the security measures that reduced homicides during her tenure as mayor of Mexico City. However, the initial months of her presidency have seen violent incidents persist in states like Michoacán, reflecting the complexity of implementing policies aimed at countering organized crime.
U.S. Travel Advisories Remain in Effect
The U.S. State Department continues to advise American citizens to exercise extreme caution when traveling in Michoacán, which is considered one of the most dangerous areas in Mexico. Existing travel warnings emphasize the risk of violence, kidnappings, and the presence of organized criminal groups. These advisories urge travelers to be aware of local conditions and to heed instructions from law enforcement authorities as investigations into this latest incident continue.
Angamacutiro, Michoacán, Mexico – A couple holding U.S. citizenship was shot and killed while traveling through a rural area of Michoacán, according to a statement from the State Attorney General’s Office. The victims, identified as 50-year-old Gloria Ambriz and 53-year-old Rafael Cardona Aguilera, were attacked while driving a 2016 black Ford Platinum pickup truck along a highway in the municipality of Angamacutiro.
