Piano Sign Up, {{ post.roar_specific_data.api_data.analytics }}, Danger alert: Mexico spring break destinations to avoid, according to the State Department, Critics rip Trump's apocalyptic view of America at CPAC, marked by a depressing characterization of American life without him, "insane" and as "dark and dystopian as any he's given. WARNING: Robberies on the Durango-Zacatecas highway continue, Tired of the democratic process AMLO decrees requiring all federal agencies to give automatic approval for any public works project, American birdwatcher spreads her wings in Mexicos Yucatan Peninsula, AERUS: the new Mexican airline born in San Luis Potosi, Frontier Airlines announced a new direct flight from Puerto Rico to Cancun starting May. They allege that Blair died in a "tragic accident" at the Las Rocas Resort. The death of an Orange County public defender at a Baja California resort last week, labeled an unfortunate accident by Mexican authorities, has raised several unanswered questions with little to no investigation by local police, the mans family said in a statement. There is no definitive answer to this question. Elliot Blair, 33, died in the early morning hours of Jan. 14 at the luxury Las Rocas Resort and Spa in the coastal city of Rosarito, Mexico By Christine Pelisek Published on January 20, 2023 10:11 AM He had no vital signs when police and medical personnel found him, the statement says. Tijuana, California, and Rosarito, California, both have a high risk of being visited by foreigners, according to US officials. The Pacific resort town isnt home to some of the worst violence in Jalisco state, where its located. Orange County Public Defender Martin Schwarz referred CNN to Scarsone. Blair was found dead Saturday at the Las Rocas Resort in Rosarito Beach a 45-mile drive south of San Diego where he and his wife Kim were staying. The family of an American tourist found dead in Mexico said Tuesday that they believe he "was the . It has a population of 1,696,923 and is Mexico's sixth largest city. This is how the tire of my car was . Furthermore, there are no restrictions on the number of vehicles and passengers permitted to enter Mexico. Each of Mexicos 32 states is evaluated and their danger levels differ. Rape has been reported to police in Rosarito. Family believes American lawyer who died in Mexico was 'victim of a brutal crime'. Tim Stelloh is a breaking news reporter for NBC News Digital. Shooting incidents between criminal groups have injured or killed innocent bystanders, the State Department warns. Blairs and Williams families have only been in touch with a liaison through the coroners office who contacted them Sunday afternoon. The coastal town of Rosarito is an enjoyable place to visit, but it lacks the status of Tijuana or other border towns. Elliot was a loving husband, son, and brother. Make sure you drive safely and do not drive recklessly. 2023 Cable News Network. John Gress/Corbis via Getty Images, State Department advisory: Reconsider travel. According to the attorney generals office in Baja California, Blairs body had signs of alcohol. However, the family has disputed that notion. Forget about the Traffic Light entering Mexico. Municipal police Decentralize the San Antonio del Mar booth from the Playas de Tijuana District, assigning the staff directly to the sector with a Supervisor in charge (it is suggested to appoint a service there).- The state of force must be 4 elements per turn with two units.- The San Antonio del Mar booth must have 24-hour coverage and the element must be armed.- Collaborate with the National Guard in surveillance tours of the highway.- Make tours permanently in each of the subdivisions in the area.- Verify that the signing points of each of the subdivisions are working.- Coordinate with the Municipal Police of Playas de Rosarito and the National Guard so that preventive tours are carried out on the Rancho del Mar bridge.- Carry out preventive tours through the gaps in the area. Blair's family has not heard about his death directly from local authorities; instead, they learned about what happened from a "liaison" to the local coroner's office, the lawyer's statement said. The networks' regret about beating the competition with crucial election information was yet more evidence that Fox is concerned first about ratings and profits, and only tangentially about the truth. The liaison had told them a toxicology report had not been completed, they said. The advisories and alerts include cruise ship favorites Mazatln, Tulum and Playa del Carmen. * These "Mexican officials" still have not reached out to the family with this information. Even if it were too far away from the border, a small piece of Mexico might exist. Did you encounter any technical issues? d. Elliot was very familiar with the layout of Las Rocas Resort and Spa, as well as its hallways and walkways. In one video, a bewildered Russian family is ordered out of their rideshare as drivers argue over them and police try to stop fistfights and prevent guns from being drawn. Bill Sammon, the Fox News executive who oversaw the networks' election "decision desk," and was instrumental in determining to call the victory for Biden, retired soon after the election in early 2021 because of the heat he got from inside Fox, The Washington Post reported. All Rights Reserved. General crime and kidnapping also remain a concern, and the State Department is urging travelers to exercise increased situational awareness after dark in downtown areas of Cancun, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen, and to remain in well-lit pedestrian streets and tourist zones.. * These "Mexican officials" still have not reached out to the family with this information. In contrast, crime is a big problem in Rosarito, just like it is in any other city. Elliot Blair was found dead January 14, 2023, while on vacation in Mexico. "Elliot was a brilliant attorney with a bright future," the statement said. ", Husband of missing woman Ana Walshe arraigned on murder charge, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen meets Chinese economic officials in Switzerland, Trump, DeSantis and the potential 2024 Republican presidential campaign, Walk in showers are going to be the new trend. In their statement, the family says he "was not intoxicated at the time of this incident" and "the incident did not occur off their room's private balcony, nor any balcony, for that matter.". Gunmen pursued a visitor into a hotel before realizing they mistook him for someone they apparently wanted to shoot. The also resident of the Playas de Tijuana delegation confirmed by delving that there are sections of the federal highway in which there is no lighting and there is no surveillance. . | Crime Comparison Between Rosarito and Mexico City . The United States government has issued a warning aboutserious risks when visiting Tijuana and Rosarito, Baja California. Even though Rosarito has one of the lowest crime rates in Baja, there is always the possibility of pickpocketing. Yesterday, January 16, at approximately 2:00 pm the liaison indicated that he had been in direct contact with the medical examiner's office that performed an autopsy. Executives at the Zoom meeting underscored the fundamental money-making motive of the Fox operation by coming up with other suggestions about handling future elections. Marlene Lenthang is a breaking news reporter for NBC News Digital. Read the Blair family's full statement here: "The family of Elliot Blair is absolutely reeling from the tragic death of this amazing young man who was in Rosarito Beach celebrating his first wedding anniversary. Here's what we know. His employer, Champlin Architecture, has established a scholarship in honor of Gutierrez who was working on a hospital and a university when he was murdered. Blairs family has not had contact with Mexican law enforcement about his death, they said. "We stand ready to provide all appropriate consular assistance," the department said in a statement Wednesday. Drinking is prohibited in public because it is selective enforcement. As they were getting into the family vehicle, witnesses reported hearing screams as a group of men grabbed them. Recent reports of violence in Rosarito are extremely rare, but they do not reflect the overall safety of the area. Calling 9-11 is longer for federal highway . The narrative presented by Mexican authorities leaves too many unanswered questions, Blairs and Williams families said in a joint statement, adding that they would hire a private investigation firm and an independent forensic pathologist to conduct a medical examination and toxicology analysis. InvestigationNeighbors In the event that you are a victim of a crime, you will report immediately to the 9-1-1 emergency number and file the complaint with the Public Ministry. Rosarito Beach police did not immediately return CNNs calls. Neighbors of Playas denounce that they put stones and spiked wires on the stage to puncture the tires of those who travel at dawn so that they stop and thus assault them with violence. If you live on the American side of the border, you should leave your vehicles and avoid walking in areas where you are more likely to be tailed by criminals. Throughout this entire process, it has been suggested by the Mexican authorities that Elliot's body be cremated. US citizen accused of killing North Carolina woman while vacationing. j. They enjoyed dinner and dancing at a nearby restaurant then drove back to the resort. The liaison had told them a toxicology report had not been completed, they said. Critics slammed Donald Trump's speech at CPAC Saturday as riddled with lies and outrageous, inflated boasts, and marked by a depressing characterization of American life without him in the White House. The level of violence in Mexico has increased in recent years, particularly in areas along the US-Mexico border, and travelers should exercise caution when visiting. "I personally don't put a lot of credence in what the Mexican authorities say," John Jenks, private investigator and business partner of Blair's, told CBS Los Angeles. He commented that they made requests for checkpoints, greater surveillance elements, an increase in early morning patrols, and the presence of elements of the National Guard 24 hours a day, among others, in addition to that in a month they will have another meeting to follow up on the issue. When traveling to Mexico, make sure you and your vehicle are well-insured against diseases, in order to enjoy a safe, affordable, and hassle-free experience. At the moment, I cant give you a specific date. The United States government has no restrictions on travel to this area. The city, located in the state of Guerrero, is famous for the young men who dive from the soaring La Quebrada cliff into the bay below. Authorities ask those who want to report police officers to write down the number of the patrol that detained them, but in Rosarito, some units circulate without plates or number that identifies them. Attempts to reach the Baja California attorney generals office on Tuesday were not successful. This year, on the brink of spring break, the U.S. Department of State has issued a do not travel advisory for Zacatecas, warning that its unsafe because of crime and kidnapping threats. Rosarito Beach Mayor Hilda Araceli Brown Figueredo did not respond to a request for comment. California public defender killed while vacationing in Mexico. Elliot Blair, 33, died Saturday outside his hotel room at Las Rocas Resort and Spa in Rosarito Beach, roughly 32 miles south of San Diego, the lawyer, David Scarsone, said in a statement. Ahntastic Adventures in Silicon Valley Travel should be suspended in Baja California due to high levels of violent crime and gang activity. Manage Preferences September 10, 2020. Last month, Mexican prosecutors notified the Gutierrez family to tell them Gutierrez's DNA matched the body found next to a bullet-riddled van and with his betrothed and her two relatives. State Department advisory: Exercise increased caution. Drunk Driving can also land you in serious trouble, so dont drive if youve had a few drinks. The incident occurred in an open-air walkway located outside the front door of their room at Las Rocas Resort and Spa. Rosarito police extorted money from Orange County lawyer Elliot Blair and his wife less than two hours before his mysterious death at a Mexican beach resort, but the couple did not have the. "Elliots smile was radiant and warmed the hearts of every person he came in contact with. 2023 Cable News Network. Residents of the United States are advised to reconsider traveling to Tijuana and Rosarito, Baja California due to crime and kidnapping concerns. As a result of crime and kidnapping in the Tijuana and Rosarito areas, it is advised that U.S. citizens reconsider their plans to visit the areas. Due to the insufficiency of the investigation, the family feels compelled to conduct their own private investigation in search for the truth. e. The incident did not occur off their room's private balcony, nor any balcony, for that matter. Objectives of these actions: Eliminate violent crime on the highway.- Reduce crime in the area.- Reduce the response times of corporations to crimes and emergencies.- Process and obtain convictions of the criminals who are committing these crimes.- Improve the perception of safety of the residents of the area. Yes, it is safe to drive to Rosarito. Yesterday, during a conversation with the funeral home liaison, it was again suggested he be cremated and the family insisted his body not be cremated in order to conduct a thorough, complete, independent investigation. wholeheartedly believes based on their initial investigation that Elliot was the victim of a brutal . Elliot's smile was radiant and warmed the hearts of every person he came in contact with. Elliot had an innate ability to connect with people from all walks of life. Tijuana's metro area population increased by 20.22% in 2021 to 2,181,000 people. Review of Rosarito Beach. Following the early Arizona call, jitters settled in at Fox, delaying other election calls. Despite warnings from the government, crime and security experts agree that popular tourist destinations such as Rosarito and parts of Tijuana are relatively safe from cartel violence or crime. Finally, they reported that they arbitrarily opened accesses to dirt roads that they had said were supposed to be neighborhood roads, but that they should not be open to the scenic and that with regard to criminal acts, they are the ones that would be being used as a route of escape for these criminal gangs. The grandfather remarked that their mission must be crucial because they normally avoid the dangers in residential areas after dark. An American attorney found dead in Mexico was 'the victim of a brutal crime,' his family claims Blair - who served as a deputy public defender in Orange County, California - was celebrating his. There, territorial battles between criminal groups take place in tourist areas. Travelers should avoid unnecessary travel and instead drive on major highways. Blair died Saturday in Rosarito, Mexico, while celebrating his first wedding anniversary. The family and friend of Blair have said they believe the public defender was a victim of a "brutal crime" rather than an accident. According to the US Embassy, Americans are advised not to travel to areas where there is a high risk of violence, but Rosarito is not one of them. Copyright 2023 Raw Story Media, Inc. PO Box 21050, Washington, D.C. 20009 | The only real facts that are known are this: a. Elliot and Kim had stayed at Las Rocas Resort and Spa on multiple occasions in the past 5 years. The arrest of a prominent cartel leader has prompted the U.S. Embassy in Mexico to advise American tourists to avoid Tijana, Rosarito, and Baja California due to serious safety concerns. "The family, which has extensive legal training in criminal law, wholeheartedly believes based on their initial investigation, that Elliot was the victim of a brutal crime.". f . The family, which has extensive legal training in criminal law, wholeheartedly believes based on their initial investigation, that Elliot was the victim of a brutal crime, according to a family statement provided by their attorney, David Scarsone. The best international beach bargain around! He was found dead last Saturday on the property near the area of the stairs that lead to the parking lot, Mexican authorities said. Mexico has better taxi services than many other countries in terms of comfort and safety, and the cost is reasonable. Unit 3921 of the SSC came to the scene, as well as the 119 unit of Red Cross paramedics, who reported that the young Taylor P., 23 years old, no longer had signs of life, nor did he show signs of violence. The family opposes cremation of Blairs body, they said, noting that in conversations with a funeral home they have been told several times that authorities have recommended that process. The family is devastated that since this incident, no one from the Rosarito Beach Police Department, their district attorney's office, or any other Mexican officials have reached out and spoken to them directly. Sandy Huffaker/Getty Images. The majority of tourists are safe in Rosarito. Elliot was known for a smile on his face and a clever mind, the site reads. Within just hours of this conversation, the family independently came across a news article that quoted "Mexican officials" stating that this appeared to be an "unfortunate accident. They just started building a life together in their first year of marriage.. Trump did fare well with people at CPAC, though the conference was far more lackluster than when Trump attended as president, and there were many empty seats for many of the speakers. Elliots smile was radiant and warmed the hearts of every person he came in contact with. Elliot was a loving husband, son, and brother. These can be different from the laws in the United States, so its important to familiarize yourself with them before you go. Blair and Williams vacationed at the Rosarito resort multiple times over the last five years and stayed in the third-floor room, the family said. An American attorney found dead in Mexico was 'the victim of a brutal crime,' his family claims. In addition, it is highly unfortunate that throughout this entire devastating ordeal, Kim, his loving wife, has been given multiple versions of what happened to Elliot. Conservative political commentator, Michael Knowles, called for the eradication of transgender people during his 2023 Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) speech, The Daily Beast reports. The liaison also advised that as of that time, the toxicology report had not been completed. Some Mexican highways are targeted by outlaws who block the roads with burning tires or rubble so they can rob drivers. A yellow cab is an excellent way to get around, and Haggling is not required. Their families argue that his body was not found underneath the couples rooms balcony or any other balcony at the resort, and that Blair was familiar with the layout at the resort and was fluent in Spanish. Privacy Policy | For corrections contact corrections@rawstory.com, for support contact support@rawstory.com. Once you have all of these items, you will be able to drive to Rosarito without any problems. Gutierrez flew from Cincinnati to Zacatecas, a city known for its beautiful historic downtown, ancient silver mine and nearby wineries. Williams has been told multiple versions of what happened to Blair. A Warner Bros. public defenders death was an unfortunate accident, Mexican authorities say, Desperate mountain residents trapped by snow beg for help; We are coming, sheriff says, Look up: The 32 most spectacular ceilings in Los Angeles, Hidden illegal casinos are booming in L.A., with organized crime reaping big profits, 19 cafes that make L.A. a world-class coffee destination, David Lindley, guitarist best known for work with Jackson Browne, dies at 78, Newsom, IRS give Californians until October to file tax returns, This fabled orchid breeder loves to chat just not about Trader Joes orchids, Calmes: Heres what we should do about Marjorie Taylor Greene, Best coffee city in the world? Mexican authorities investigating the case of an American attorney who was found dead at a resort hotel earlier this month determined there was no foul play in his death, according to an official statement released Thursday. Despite the warnings, crime and security experts say popular tourist areas in Baja California, including Rosarito and parts of Tijuana, are generally safe from cartel crime or violence against US citizens. The family of the Orange County public defender believes that he was "the victim of a brutal crime." Police reported several deaths and injuries. ", The Trump-critical Lincoln Project flatly called his speech "insane" and as "dark and dystopian as any he's given. Drive slowly and use headlights as necessary in order to avoid accidents. The crimes are not typically committed by tourists on the weekends or during the day. This isn't some fringe figure, this is a Daily Wire host speaking at CPAC. Reviewed July 4, 2015 . Due to the insufficiency of the investigation, the family feels compelled to conduct their own private investigation in search for the truth. The Pacific coast setting is so dazzling, Hollywood used it as a backdrop for Elvis and James Bond films. "I personally don't put a lot of credence in what the Mexican authorities say," John Jenks, private investigator and business partner of Blair's, told CBS Los Angeles. Tijuanas crime rate, particularly the high number of homicides in the non-tourist areas, is concerning. If you follow these simple guidelines, you will have a great time in Rosarito Beach. The State Department doesnt track how many Americans have been killed, assaulted or otherwise victimized by criminals in Mexico. c. Additionally, Elliot and Kim had stayed in this specific room on the third floor on multiple occasions. The fundraiser which has exceed its goal of $100,000 was set up to help Blairs family return his body to the US. The family is devastated that since this incident, no one from the Rosarito Beach Police Department, their district attorney's office, or any other Mexican officials have reached out and spoken to them directly. Rosarito Beach is located in Baja California, and while the beach town itself has not seen the same level of violence as other parts of the state, it is located just a short drive from areas that have been affected. All rights reserved, How To Make A Call From Tijuana To Mexico City, Explore Tijuana And Spend US Dollars: The Benefits Of Using Digital Currencies In Mexicos Bustling City, 500 Miles And A Few Hours Away: Exploring Tijuana From Redding California, Fox News Reports On The Complexities Of The Tijuana-San Diego Border Crisis, Celebrating 50+ Years Of Music Magic: La Bamba The Legendary Mexican Rock Band From Tijuana, Exploring Santa Monica To Tijuana: A Guide To The Epic Road Trip, Enjoying Tijuana With Your IPhone: All You Need To Know About Coverage Speeds And Charges, Exploring The Distance Between Acapulco And Tijuana: A Journey Of Over 1800 Miles, Discovering The Exciting City Of Tijuana: A Travel Destination For Everyone, Is Downtown Tijuana Safe To Visit? Blair's family plans to carry out an independent investigation, hiring a private investigator and a forensic pathologist, Scarsone said. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in many areas of Mexico, as travel by U.S. government employees to certain areas is prohibited or restricted. State Guard Carry out preventive tours in the area of the gaps and in the area in general.- Collaboration with intelligence information you may have on incidents with other authorities. The family, which has extensive legal training in criminal law, wholeheartedly believes based on their initial investigation, that Elliot was the victim of a brutal crime. Kim was his life. This is how pogroms start.". Elliot D. Blair, in his early 30s, was in. Rosarito is dangerous, but tourists do not face as many risks as locals. "He was the victim of a brutal crime," says a GoFundMe set up for Blair's wife, Kim, who is also a public defender. The use of a passport makes life easier on a daily basis. Because of its proximity to the United States, Rosarito Beach is much more developed and safe than other parts of Mexico. They are not alone in believing that Blair was killed during the trip. Third, youll need to have your car insured for driving in Mexico. Orange County Public Defender Martin Schwarz told The Register that Blair had worked for the public defenders office since 2017, the year he passed the bar exam. All Rights Reserved. The Mexican state of Baja California has seen an increase in violence in recent years, and the U.S. Department of State has issued a travel warning for the region. appreciated. Yellow cabs are a safer option for you because you dont have to share a car with strangers. It passed today at 4:30 am in front of Baja Malibu in the scenic Tijuana direction exactly past the Yazmin store. Those who have lived in Rosarito for a long time have a higher crime rate than others. Elliots tragic, untimely, and suspicious death has left his family and community with a huge hole in their hearts that will never be repaired.. Mexican journalists are routinely murdered for reporting on crime, which makes documenting murders a dangerous challenge. In a statement provided Wednesday to NBC News by the resort's public relations firm, the attorney general of Baja California said an investigation showed Blair appeared to have fallen from the third floor shortly before 1 a.m. Mexico . The State Department declined to answer specific questions from Raw Story about spring break travel to Mexico. You can purchase Mexican car insurance online or at the border. You will also need to purchase a Mexican Tourist Visa, which can be done at the Mexican Consulate or online. Since 2016, there has been a decrease in robberies and assaults, despite the fact that homicides have increased. The incident occurred in an open-air walkway on the resort's third floor, he said. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. The family, which has extensive legal training in criminal law, wholeheartedly believes based on their initial investigation, that Elliot was the victim of a brutal crime. Just last week, Knowles' responded to backlash he faced for a similar transphobic comment calling for a ban on "transgenderism. Discovery Company. Blair refused, and Williams said they continued to the resort safely to the resort. Criminal activity and violence occur throughout the state, the State Department further warns. The embassy said the concern . Neighbors-Install video surveillance cameras at strategic points in the area and with the support of the Municipal Police connect them to the C2 Center. If you are planning on going out to bars or clubs, it is best to go with a group of friends and to leave your belongings at your hotel or in a secure place. You should stop your vehicle if you are concerned that you are in danger. But Blairs family argues the incident occurred in an open-air walkway outside his rooms front door. g. Elliot was not intoxicated at the time of this incident. A family is searching for answers after a Southern California public defender died in Mexico over the weekend while celebrating his first wedding anniversary, CBS Los Angeles reports. Mexican authorities also told the Register that they are in contact with the U.S. Justice Department and the FBI, which are sharing information with Blairs family. Yesterday, January 16, at approximately 2:00 pm the liaison indicated that he had been in direct contact with the medical examiner's office that performed an autopsy. The media is supposed to be thrilled with "scoops," but Fox News regretted its early call that Joe Biden won Arizona over Donald Trump in 2020 because it hurt its rating with its far-right audience, The New York Times reported Saturday. Playas de Rosarito.-. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. ", READ MORE: Marco Rubio wants to reinstate Trumps ban on transgender service members, Last month on The Michael Knowles Show, he said, "I don't know how you could have a genocide of transgender people because genocide refers to genes, it refers to genetics, it refers to biology. Previously, the attorney generals office said Blairs death appeared to be the result of an unfortunate accident from a fall by the now deceased from a third-story floor, according to its statement to the Orange County Register. Elliot Blair was celebrating his first wedding anniversary when he died in Rosarito, Mexico, on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023. Scott suggested that delaying election calls is a ratings strategy that other outlets, like CNN, use to keep viewers in suspense, and watching. fourth, you should be aware of the crime rate in Rosarito. But in 2022, Acapulco crimes made international headlines. But they were stopped by local police who claimed that Blair rolled through a stop sign. 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