Family's Birthday Trip to Mexico Turns into Tragedy
A family's birthday celebration trip to Mexico took a horrific turn when three family members were killed and a teenager was left fighting for his life in a shooting attack.
Vicente Peña Jr., 38, and his brother Antonio "Tony" Fernandez, 44, both from Chicago, were killed alongside 22-year-old Jorge Eduardo Vargas Aguirre, another family member residing in Mexico. The attack occurred in Durango, Mexico, during what authorities described as a surge in violent crime in the area.
Peña Jr. and his 14-year-old son, whose name has not been released, were visiting family and celebrating his birthday when their trip turned into a nightmare. The family was driving a black GMC Yukon with Illinois plates when they were attacked.
Peña Jr., Fernandez, and Aguirre were found next to the SUV with gunshot wounds to their heads. The teenager was seriously injured and placed in a medically-induced coma. Details surrounding the shooting remain unclear, and it is unknown whether it was a targeted attack or a robbery gone wrong.
The teenager's grandmother, Maria Elena Hernandez, received a heartbreaking call from her daughter informing her of the tragedy. "She said, 'Mom, they killed my boy. They killed Junior. They killed my brother-in-law. I don't know what to do,'" Hernandez recounted.
The non-profit group United Giving Hope is assisting the family in bringing the teenager back to the US. "This is a nightmare for his mother," said Julia Contreras of United Giving Hope. "We're trying to provide advocacy and security."
Family members are also hoping to bring back Peña Jr. and Fernandez for proper burials in Chicago.
This tragic incident highlights the increasing violence in parts of Mexico, prompting the U.S. State Department to issue a travel advisory urging travelers to avoid Michoacán state due to its high crime rate. The advisory comes as several Americans have experienced violent incidents during their trips to Mexico.
The recent shooting serves as a stark reminder of the dangers present in certain areas of Mexico and underscores the importance of exercising caution and awareness when traveling abroad.
6 Comments
Africa
Let the authorities handle the investigation and seek justice for the víctimas, instead of directing hate towards innocent Mexicans.
ZmeeLove
How are they going to bring the bodies and the teenager back from Mexico? This must be incredibly expensive for the family.
Comandante
I'm outraged that the teenager was left to fight for his life. What kind of people would do this!
Africa
In unity, may we honor the memory of those lost while offering comfort and hope for healing to all directly impacted.
Habibi
Let this tragedy serve as a reminder to cherish every moment and the preciousness of life.
Comandante
Mexico is a beautiful and culturally rich country. This incident should not deter people from visiting.