Fears grow there may be a serial-killer in area popular with tourists after three women are murdered in Mexico

Bodies of three murdered women were found in Puerto Vallarta within less than two weeks, raising fears of a serial killer. Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage, forensic evidence, and police reports to determine whether the killings are connected. The most recent victim was found Thursday morning on a dirt road near the Parque Las Palmas neighborhood. Earlier victims were found May 10 near Rancho El Pirulí in the Chimborazo area and days later at a roadside stop along the highway to Mismaloya. All three women appeared to be between 30 and 35 years old, were found partially undressed, and had multiple tattoos. Each body was discovered in isolated or lightly traveled areas, leading authorities to open homicide and femicide investigations and compare evidence across scenes. Police are also considering whether the women were killed elsewhere and later abandoned in Puerto Vallarta.

"Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage, forensic evidence and police reports to determine whether the killings are connected and whether a serial killer could be responsible. The most recent victim was found Thursday morning on a dirt road near the Parque Las Palmas neighborhood off Camino Viejo a Mojoneras, according to Mexico News Daily. The horrific discovery prompted authorities to compare the circumstances of her death to two similar cases already under investigation."

"Officials say the first victim was discovered on May 10 near Rancho El Pirulí in the Chimborazo area, while a second woman's body was found days later at a roadside stop along the highway to Mismaloya. All three women appeared to be between 30 and 35 years old, were found partially undressed and had multiple tattoos. Each body was discovered in isolated or lightly travelleded areas of the city, intensifying speculation that the killings may follow a pattern."

"Local reports, however, suggest the woman found Thursday may be 22-year-old Elizabeth Martinez from the State of México, who was reported missing in late April. That has not been confirmed. According to Mexico News Daily, the victim had tattoos on her neck, hand and arm, including images of a skull, a horned woman and a name tattooed on her forearm. Her body also reportedly showed signs of violence, leading authorities to open an investigation under homicide and femicide protocols."

"Police are exploring whether the women may have been killed elsewhere and their bodies later abandoned in Puerto Vallarta. They are also comparing evidence from all three scenes to determine whether they could be linked or whether the similarities are coincidental."

Read at Irish Independent