Las Gatas shootings

I’ve seen initial reports of 4 people shot and killed on Las Gatas today. Does anyone have more information? Certainly not the best place to be if there is an active shooter.

I’ve seen initial reports of 4 people shot and killed on Las Gatas today. Does anyone have more information? Certainly not the best place to be if there is an active shooter.

A damn shame, but that's all the info there is. No word from the mayor or the local police. No investigative journalism. Nothing but gossip and rumors. I'm not holding my breath for any more info.

It’s very unfortunate. It feels different than the others reported since it’s so tourist heavy. Folks are densely packed and there’s no easy way out if it becomes a free for all.

Hmmm, I saw Navy patrol boats off of Playa Blanca late that afternoon. Don’t see them that often.

Heavy presence of patrols this morning.

Which will probably continue for a few days. And then it will be back to the status quo. Yes similar things happen in Tacoma too. But I don’t go to those places here. On the other hand, I do go to Las Gatas.

About as effective as chasing the wind

Not only are they a heavy presence driving, they had people on the path to Gatas and along Caparicho del Rey.

Heavy presence of patrols this morning.

How stupid do they think the “bad guys” are?

“Remember when we shot those people? Let’s go back there.”

I reminds me of the doubley sad time when a surfer was the victim of a shark attack nearby. A couple of days later boats were out patrolling to kill any sharks they spotted.

Hit-and-Run bites happen near beaches, where sharks try to make a living capturing fish. In pounding surf, strong currents, and murky water, a shark may mistake the movements of humans, usually at the surface, for those of their normal food, fish. The shark makes one grab, lets go, and immediately leaves the area. Legs or feet are often bitten; injuries usually are minor and deaths rarely occur.

The shark or person(s) involved in the attack are not likely to be found by looking where the attack took place.

2 people that went to identify the bodies at the morgue were killed also

That brings the total to 6 victims? Zihua will soon rival Culiacan in violent deaths!

That brings the total to 6 victims? Zihua will soon rival Culiacan in violent deaths!

Hardly, but it underscores what I've been decrying for years: that our municipal government is shirking its responsibility regarding public safety. They're more interested in pouring cement from their own company and propping up their image with photos at staged events than looking after the safety of Zihuatanejo's residents and visitors.

Zihuatanejo's police are good at ambushing, assaulting and harming responsible dog owners, but they are woefully inept at doing their actual jobs of preventing crime or catching criminals.

THIS WAS TOTALLY UNCALLED FOR!

https://youtu.be/7JLsCUjrvfw

scheduled to arrive next week until mid December, too late to cancel but this is getting concerning.
Not on face book but is there a way to contact the local government or is that not recommended or is there not a portal.

Elementary law enforcement places officers at funerals/ morgues etc to look for and identify people of concern. Obviously . “Law” enforcement is less than elementary in Zihua. Not a surprise.

As long time board followers know, we’ve been coming since the days of “gator in Mexico” and the blue board orange board feud. We are beginning to question whether it is a place for us anymore. With the gentrification, Zihuatanejo has lost some of the attributes that made it more unique. Peaceful dog walkers on the beach, with well behaved, leashed dogs are physically assaulted by the Zihutanejo version of the Keystone Kops. While there has always been some degree of drug cartel action, it was easy to avoid. But now, gun violence is more common and is happening in areas we frequent. Whether or not this increase is true doesn't matter, what matters is my perception of safety. Finally, it is apparent from comments about this episode on Facebook groups that many Zankas would rather we stay home. While native tourists are way more numerous than gringos, this gringo and his wife are beginning to look for safer, more welcoming places to spend our vacation time.

we found Zihua 2013 and have enjoyed our stays here, lately its been a couple of trips a year. We are starting to question as well if may not be time to move on. If we are not welcome or feel that way there there are other options. When you armed officers confronting someone for walking a dog is alarming in more ways than one. What happened in the end, I have seen dog roundups in the past and its not pretty site.

We'll miss you and totally understand if you decide not to come.

The careless dog story is old news. He was warned for 3 consecutive days and opted to look the other way or feel supreme and in doing so jeopardized the safety of an animal.

I recently saw the videos of the previous 3 warnings.

And this does not include the unreported incidents.

The careless dog story is old news. He was warned for 3 consecutive days and opted to look the other way or feel supreme and in doing so jeopardized the safety of an animal.

I recently saw the videos of the previous 3 warnings.

"Feel supreme?" You seem to be the one feeling supreme by judging a local resident who bought a residence near the beach to be able to enjoy it with his loved ones. Banning dogs from La Ropa and La Madera was a rule imposed by the mayor against the wishes of locals, including the local hotels and restaurants. It goes against local customs and mores. He had every right to be there with his furry family member before the beach was officially open with guards at its entrances. What happened to him was WRONG, and if you don't agree then you probably should find somewhere else to express yourself. If I still lived at La Ropa I would damn sure be walking my dog on the beach, and the Keystone Kops would have to shoot me before I'd let them touch me or any of my family members, and I'd be taking at least one of them to the hospital (or the morgue) with me. The person this happened to is a good person, not a snob or some assh0le. The assh0les are the ones who set up the ambush. We and they know who they are.

As long time board followers know, we’ve been coming since the days of “gator in Mexico” and the blue board orange board feud. We are beginning to question whether it is a place for us anymore. With the gentrification, Zihuatanejo has lost some of the attributes that made it more unique. Peaceful dog walkers on the beach, with well behaved, leashed dogs are physically assaulted by the Zihutanejo version of the Keystone Kops. While there has always been some degree of drug cartel action, it was easy to avoid. But now, gun violence is more common and is happening in areas we frequent. Whether or not this increase is true doesn't matter, what matters is my perception of safety. Finally, it is apparent from comments about this episode on Facebook groups that many Zankas would rather we stay home. While native tourists are way more numerous than gringos, this gringo and his wife are beginning to look for safer, more welcoming places to spend our vacation time.

Please ignore the few idiots looking to attack Gringos on Facebook. I will always call them out when I see them, as I did to some of the rude comments you read. It looks like they got themselves banned.

What's inflaming passions are the Gestapo antics of ICE, the murder-on-the-high-seas by the U.S. military, and comments by their criminal boss about wanting to invade Mexico.

Most of us are extremely upset about the clearly illegal acts of our president. We are in NYC tonight watching the start of a blue wave.

And it makes total sense to assault him, while you have assault weapons. What exactly were they so afraid of?

Most of us are extremely upset about the clearly illegal acts of our president. We are in NYC tonight watching the start of a blue wave.

He did say he could shoot someone on Fifth Avenue and he wouldn't lose any voters. Well, Fifth Avenue is now down in the Caribbean and the Eastern Pacific. His supporters like SurfGuy are thrilled to see those yucchy brown people being extrajudicially executed. So much for international law. I mean, if his heartthrob, Putin, can get away with gratuitous murder, why can't he?

I expect the MAGA movement to double down after this and things will most likely get worse before they get better, but the tide does seem to be turning at last as more people in this Country begin to pay attention.

It was encouraging to see Rob's words regarding ignoring the comments from some saying gringos should stay away. I can understand the frustration of those in other Countries. At any rate I'll be there Saturday doing my best to stimulate the local economy.

As long time board followers know, we’ve been coming since the days of “gator in Mexico” and the blue board orange board feud. We are beginning to question whether it is a place for us anymore. With the gentrification, Zihuatanejo has lost some of the attributes that made it more unique. Peaceful dog walkers on the beach, with well behaved, leashed dogs are physically assaulted by the Zihutanejo version of the Keystone Kops. While there has always been some degree of drug cartel action, it was easy to avoid. But now, gun violence is more common and is happening in areas we frequent. Whether or not this increase is true doesn't matter, what matters is my perception of safety. Finally, it is apparent from comments about this episode on Facebook groups that many Zankas would rather we stay home. While native tourists are way more numerous than gringos, this gringo and his wife are beginning to look for safer, more welcoming places to spend our vacation time.

I made that decision a while back and found that Peru is nice but a long ways away, Panama too, Argentina also. In the end my Guatemalan friend proves to be true, in my experiences, “all Latin American countries are corrupt:” and now I am enjoying Belize, which is not perfect but it enjoys the most sense of order that I have found. I just miss the surf.

Idk Rob. Following rules are what creates and maintains a society. We don’t get to choose which ones we like or dislike.

If you don’t like them, do what you can to change get them. Disobeying the ones you don’t like is not an answer. It sends the message that we can all choose which rules and laws we chose to obey. A slope so slippery nobody dare walk it.

Idk Rob. Following rules are what creates and maintains a society. We don’t get to choose which ones we like or dislike.

If you don’t like them, do what you can to change get them. Disobeying the ones you don’t like is not an answer. It sends the message that we can all choose which rules and laws we chose to obey. A slope so slippery nobody dare walk it.

Slavery was once a "rule".

I'll stick with local customs and mores. We actually VOTED on this with overwhelming support for NOT banning pets from beaches, but the current mayor betrayed us back when she was simply the Directora de Ecología and banned pets from the beach anyway. I'll stick with democratic values, not imposed rules of dubious legality that only pad a politician's curriculum vitae.

So are police going to be posted all night on the beach to keep locals from walking with their pets? Of course not. THIS WAS A PERSONAL VENDETTA. I can walk my dog on Playa La Madera, another Blue Flag beach, before the arrival of the beach gestapo or after they leave at the end of the day, and absolutely no one will care, much less use their local influence to set up a violent ambush.

have to pay a bribe to get your licence plates? Sorry, only for residents, wont accept tenecia pmts. What kind of government turns down tax revenues? i did notice there was some kind of raid on las gatas beach. 4 boats in the water, There was about 12 or 13 police vehicles and some high strung dogs at the mirador. At one time they spread out down the road at spots that could be exited, there was a drone flying overhead. I heard something that sounded gas cartridge ejection but saw no smoke and did not here any shots

Idk Rob. Following rules are what creates and maintains a society. We don’t get to choose which ones we like or dislike.

I don’t know any of the details of the dog incident(s), but I do have a view about rules and laws.

First, laws are, in principle, written by the powerful (read wealthy). They are written not to serve the people, but to serve those who created them.

(I don’t know enough about Mexican politics, but the Canadian parliament consists of 70%. Only 14% of MPs are under 40 years. I know that doesn’t reflect my community. I suspect the US Senate and House are likewise dominated by rich, middle aged or older, White males.)

As Anatole France said,

“The law, in its majestic equality, forbids rich and poor alike to sleep under bridges, to beg in the streets, and to steal their bread.”

Second, as a corollary, is that progress does not occur by following the rules made by rulers, but by defying those rules.

It seems to me that rules and laws ought to:

1. Be based on moral principles.

2. Reflect the values of those who will be subjected to the rules.

3. Not be designed in a manner that unduly disadvantages certain individuals or classes of persons.

4,. Be consistently applied.

Women in Canada did not achieve reproductive freedom because a bunch of rich, middle aged or older, White males saud, “Let’s treat women as responsible adults who have agency regarding their lives.” It was because women said we won’t obey your laws.

Following rules might create and maintain “a society”, but I suggest it is a society designed for the benefit of the ruling classes, not for those who are ruled.

That’s silly. The rule was to abolish slavery. But I guess if we all thought like you, we could participate in slavery if we wanted, regardless of the laws. After all my ancestors did it, it has to be ok. And we only have to participate in laws that me and my friends agree with.

I see where you are coming from. Only laws that you agree with are laws that we should follow. The problem is that everyone has different view points. I expect some people have other thoughts about guns, stealing, prostitution etc etc etc. Following Rob’s rules of order, I guess they can do what ever they want to as well, because they don’t personally like those laws. Makes perfect sense. Oh wait, no it doesn’t, because those are ‘good’ laws that Rob likes so we have to folllow and enforce them.

I bet you smoke on airplanes too. Such a dumb law. Right!? People have been smoking on public airplanes since their inception of commercial airline travel.

Follow the law or face the consequences. Pretty simple. Don’t like the law do what you can to change it. It may or may not change. That part is not your job to decide.

That’s silly. The rule was to abolish slavery. But I guess if we all thought like you, we could participate in slavery if we wanted, regardless of the laws. After all my ancestors did it, it has to be ok. And we only have to participate in laws that me and my friends agree with.

I see where you are coming from. Only laws that you agree with are laws that we should follow. The problem is that everyone has different view points. I expect some people have other thoughts about guns, stealing, prostitution etc etc etc. Following Rob’s rules of order, I guess they can do what ever they want to as well, because they don’t personally like those laws. Makes perfect sense. Oh wait, no it doesn’t, because those are ‘good’ laws that Rob likes so we have to folllow and enforce them.

I bet you smoke on airplanes too. Such a dumb law. Right!? People have been smoking on public airplanes since their inception of commercial airline travel.

Follow the law or face the consequences. Pretty simple. Don’t like the law do what you can to change it. It may or may not change. That part is not your job to decide.

You got lost in space somewhere along this conversation. Come back to earth and maybe we can have a discussion. This isn't the USA, and most laws are not enforced. The fact the mayor invented a rule to enhance her image is meaningless to most of us. No Mexican has been detained walking their dogs on Blue Flag beaches (I'm one of them). Only ONE Gringo because it was an ambush set up by a certain La Ropa restaurant owner. I don't have time to explain the multitudinous cultural differences between wherever else and Mexico. The mayor, the municipal government and their worthless police force are in the wrong. These aren't "Rob's rules of order". It's simply the way things are in Zihuatanejo. A place you appear still not to know very well in spite of being a reader here and having visited numerous times. I can only do so much to inform our visitors.

Excellent response.

First, laws are, in principle, written by the powerful (read wealthy). They are written not to serve the people, but to serve those who created them.

In the US, laws are written by elected representatives of the people. You vote for a representative who reflects your interests.

In the US, laws are written by elected representatives of the people. You vote for a representative who reflects your interests.

Theoretically true. But suppose that representative is lying to you about what he/she supports. Suppose further that 20 years being immersed in Fox News and you've lost the ability to distinguish between truth and lies. Or perhaps you know he's lying when he tells you he's 6'4" and 220lbs and Jewish space lasers are responsible for forest fires and you just don't care that he's lying. Or perhaps you only care about owning the libs and to hell with responsible governance. That's what 'reflecting your interests' really means. That's when you start to make very bad decisions.

First, laws are, in principle, written by the powerful (read wealthy). They are written not to serve the people, but to serve those who created them.

In the US, laws are written by elected representatives of the people. You vote for a representative who reflects your interests.

Ignoring gerrymandering, of course.

Hilarious to see a supporter of Felon47, who is now also an alleged war criminal besides already being a convicted felon and adjudicated rapist, talk about "laws". His cult followers have no shame.

Can you assist this topic and provide dates of the Vote and confirm you are able to Vote?

I am able to Vote and I do not recall this opportunity.

Mil gracias.

Surfguy is a respectable "surfer" who is not like the "surfing visitors" who believe they can claim a break that is not natural.

And then the Orange Mussolini and his minions totally ignore those laws.

If I was planning to murder a few competitors, the last place I'd pick is Las Gatas. How'd they get away? Wait for a panga?

First, laws are, in principle, written by the powerful (read wealthy). They are written not to serve the people, but to serve those who created them.

In the US, laws are written by elected representatives of the people. You vote for a representative who reflects your interests.

The US form of elections is based on rich cats that distinguish between themselves, while making rules over the mice. The common people are the mice. You don’t vote for a representative who reflects your interests. You choose between two cats, each of which reflects the interests of cats.

There are a few exceptions. Bernie Sanders comes to mind. Maybe Zohran Mamdani, we’ll see.

Mouseland

If I was planning to murder a few competitors, the last place I'd pick is Las Gatas. How'd they get away? Wait for a panga?

They probably live nearby and simply walked home.

Can you assist this topic and provide dates of the Vote and confirm you are able to Vote?

I am able to Vote and I do not recall this opportunity.

Mil gracias.

You had to be there. Obviously you weren't.

That is correct, I was not there nor aware the matter was voted upon by the community. What year did this occur? Thanks for being a great resource!

I had the good fortune of attending a birthday celebration last night consisting of generational Locals who own businesses in Zih and Ixt and they clarified that the matter of dogs on La Ropa was not a public vote, but a community hearing like event where some shared there opinion opposing the change.

I had the good fortune of attending a birthday celebration last night consisting of generational Locals who own businesses in Zih and Ixt and they clarified that the matter of dogs on La Ropa was not a public vote, but a community hearing like event where some shared there opinion opposing the change.

I can see you're quite obsessed with this. Yes. Over a hundred hotel, lodging and restaurant owners along with some concerned citizens and tourism experts were there. The people with the most knowledge, the most affected and those with a direct interest on the matter. Only two people were in favor of banning pets from beaches. We were assured by Liz that our vote would be respected. Less than two months later we learned that was a lie. Since that time thousands of citizens have also expressed their objection to the imposition of the Blue Flag rules. All you had to do to find all this out is search right here in the Message Board where it's been discussed. I hope you'll be able to sleep better now.

Si,siempre puedo dormir bien y siempre tranquilon.

Just curious as to how a formal regulated "vote" was not honored.

Que tenga un noche tranquila y un sueno reparador.

Si,siempre puedo dormir bien y siempre tranquilon.

Just curious as to how a formal regulated "vote" was not honored.

Que tenga un noche tranquila y un sueno reparador.

Seriously? You're not connecting the dots here? After promising to respect our vote, dogs were banned from La Ropa and La Madera beaches. All the local hotels and restaurant operators were betrayed. They knew that decision would cost them clients, and it turns out they were spot on in their concerns. But since the local politicians who imposed the Blue Flag rules live from the public dole (and cement) and not tourism, it looks like they couldn't care less.

Duermo como angelito al lado del amor de mi vida todas las noches. Soy de los más afortunados. Por eso me conocen como El Gringo Más Afortunado de México.

Un saludo.

Si,siempre puedo dormir bien y siempre tranquilon.

Just curious as to how a formal regulated "vote" was not honored.

Que tenga un noche tranquila y un sueno reparador.

Seriously? You're not connecting the dots here? After promising to respect our vote, dogs were banned from La Ropa and La Madera beaches. All the local hotels and restaurant operators were betrayed. They knew that decision would cost them clients, and it turns out they were spot on in their concerns. But since the local politicians who imposed the Blue Flag rules live from the public dole (and cement) and not tourism, it looks like they couldn't care less.

Duermo como angelito al lado del amor de mi vida todas las noches. Soy de los más afortunados. Por eso me conocen como El Gringo Más Afortunado de México.

Un saludo.

It’s pretty nice not having dogs shitting everywhere and attacking the children.

It’s pretty nice not having dogs shitting everywhere and attacking the children.

I guess dogs are like people on a message board.

The vast majority are pleasant and civil.

Rob puts up with the rare one that displays asocial or anti-social behaviour.

It each instance, deal with the problem individuals, don’t ban everyone from the board or from the beach.

As I tell potential guests who have dogs, I prefer well-behaved dogs over poorly behaving humans.

Si,siempre puedo dormir bien y siempre tranquilon.

Just curious as to how a formal regulated "vote" was not honored.

Que tenga un noche tranquila y un sueno reparador.

Seriously? You're not connecting the dots here? After promising to respect our vote, dogs were banned from La Ropa and La Madera beaches. All the local hotels and restaurant operators were betrayed. They knew that decision would cost them clients, and it turns out they were spot on in their concerns. But since the local politicians who imposed the Blue Flag rules live from the public dole (and cement) and not tourism, it looks like they couldn't care less.

Duermo como angelito al lado del amor de mi vida todas las noches. Soy de los más afortunados. Por eso me conocen como El Gringo Más Afortunado de México.

Un saludo.

It’s pretty nice not having dogs shitting everywhere and attacking the children.

That was never the problem, and it still isn't at beaches where they're allowed with their family members. The only dogs that were and still sometimes are a problem at beaches are dogs without their owners, a totally different subject altogether. But if that's your criteria for beaches, there's always Miami. Since you don't live from our local tourism, the stupid rules don't affect your patrimony like they do everyone else's. It's always a shame to have some tourists like you put their own interests above the interests of the people who actually live and work where they visit. What was Max saying about you being a "respectable surfer"? You might want to try to carry that over into the rest of your life.
Un saludo.

Si, como dice Carin Leon, es importante lo que informe, lo informe bien.

We've moved on to Troncones, it seems pretty civilized. We do carry our Molson's "I am Canadian" hat (given to us by our good friend Roberto!) just in case we need it but so far that has not been the case. We'll be back before you know it.

--
Curly!

I just read this about shootings in Los Gatas. This combined with the caretaker's murder is very alarming.
Have you any thoughts about La Ropa during Christmas. I was there last year and all was normal. But I stayed mainly on La Ropa. Did go into town a few times...and had to do my traditional Sunday morning walk from la Ropa into town centre. I've been doing this walk since 1974!
A question Rob...Are hotels at any risk by this violence or are the victims targeted by rival criminals and hotels are off limits? sort of thing.
My habit is a sunrise walk on the beach every day and have always felt very safe. But I am thinking about Timmac's comment about that very important sense of safety...Los Gatas is just "over there" so close! I stay at the Catalina and I think the security there is efficient?
I appreciate any input as to my safety concerns...Actually just reassure me by saying 'Go, feel safe and you'll be fine! "
Feels impossible that I would come to any harm in one of my spiritual, soul nourishing places on the planet.

While they are targeting other cartel members, unfortunately the bullets they fire don’t know that. I am concerned about being in a cross fire.

We've moved on to Troncones, it seems pretty civilized. We do carry our Molson's "I am Canadian" hat (given to us by our good friend Roberto!) just in case we need it but so far that has not been the case. We'll be back before you know it.

Most of this is just wrong place wrong time for foreigners. Nothing to do with what country you’re from.

There was a surf family that owned some years ago and was tied up and blind folded in their home at south end of troncones simply because those cartel people (not troncones cartel) were passing thru and wanted somewhere to shower and drink beer.

My brother-in-law was a career police officer. He told me that most non-criminals are more likely to die in a vehicle collision than by homicide.

I suspect that as an emergency department physician you saw more people who needed medical attention due to accidents, sports injuries, stupidity, etc. than due to “collateral damage” from criminal actions.

I have seen more “walking wounded” as the result of parasailing and banana boats than I have with wounds.

Yeah, yeah.

You probably also heard that a bunch of tourists visiting the Capital on January 6, 2021 were attacked by police.

Members of organized crime groups generally have enough money to stay in hotels, lay low, and not draw attention to themselves.

Yeah, yeah.

You probably also heard that a bunch of tourists visiting the Capital on January 6, 2021 were attacked by police.

Members of organized crime groups generally have enough money to stay in hotels, lay low, and not draw attention to themselves.

I don’t have a horse in this race just sharing crime incidents in the region that have affected foreigners but since you’re the apparent voice of truth in troncones it was at the McCabes residence and I believe they’ve since sold the home. Feel free to inquire with your neighbors if you want I really don’t care.

How this has anything to do with Jan 6th is beyond me but take care.

But my perception of risk is what will make my decision. The shootings at Las Gatas are particularly troubling as there’s really no easy way out. Much of what initially drew us to the area a couple of decades ago is going away.

I am someone that has been going to Zihua for decades too. So I do get what you say about changes. But in terms of violence and murders, if anything there is less now than in the 80's for example. Ask Rob about what was going on in that area and who was perpetrating a lot of the crimes. People just disappearing, never to be seen again. Lots of bodies dropping. In 40+ years I can count on one hand the amount of foreigners that died in Zihua, Ixtapa and nearby from violence and nobody got done from being at the wrong place at the wrong time. The biggest threat for foreigners, especially in the off peak season, is carjacking. It is more likely for me and you to get shot by an errand bullet in our home town than in Zihua. Especially for you! One thing that has not changed yet in Zihua is that hard to define vibe and the fact it has not been americanized yet. No tall buildings, no american restaurants and it does not feel like a typical tourist place. I still very much enjoy the music scene there and the fact I can walk around anytime and not feeling at risk. As a tourist, I do not feel like a target. This is becoming a rare commodity all over the world.

Yes, people generally make decisions based on perceptions. Therefore it is important to ensure that our perceptions are realistic, based on reality. Poorly informed people will form opinions based more on fears and prejudices. As a reasonable, rational person becomes more informed they modify their perceptions and make better decisions.

I recall reading, many years ago during my studies, that the demographic group that perceived themselves as being at least risk of being a victim of non-partner violence was males 15-24. The demographic group that perceived themselves as being at most risk of being a victim of non-partner violence was males 65+.

The reality was the opposite. Young males were most at risk and older males at least risk.

As one of those 65+ males now, I remind myself to make reality-based decisions, not fear-based reactions.

The road behind offers a quick getaway to the highway connector in the centre of la ropa. The police wouldnt have even gotten in their cars. But this follow up visit suggests that they thought the perps were still nearby? That many vehicles wouldnt have been used to find evidence.