American Family Injured in Tragic Mexico Vacation Shooting
Durango, Mexico – A 14-year-old boy from Chicago is in a coma after he, his father, and uncle were shot while on a family vacation in Mexico, local reports confirm. The victims, Vicente Peña Jr., 38, and Antonio “Tony” Fernandez, 44, both from Chicago, tragically lost their lives in the shooting alongside Jorge Eduardo Vargas Aguirre, 22, a local resident and relative of the other victims, according to the Durango Attorney General’s Office and ABC News.
Fundraiser for Medical Needs
A fundraiser initiated by the 14-year-old’s mother on SpotFund revealed the heartbreaking details of the incident. The teenager had embarked on a trip to Durango, Mexico, with his family to celebrate his 14th birthday when tragedy struck. Just two days before his birthday, the family fell victim to a violent attack, leaving the boy’s father, uncle, and cousin dead, while he sustained critical injuries. Currently in ICU on life support, the boy’s mother is appealing for financial assistance to cover his medical needs and facilitate his transfer back to the United States.
Tragic Discovery
The victims’ bodies were discovered on Dec. 27 along the Francisco Zarco Highway in Santiago Papasquiaro, as revealed by Durango officials to NBC 5. Reports indicate that the family was traveling in an SUV with Illinois license plates when they were ambushed in an escalating wave of violent crime in the region. Specific details regarding the attack remain scarce at this time.
Safety Concerns
Following this harrowing incident, the State Department has issued a Level 2 travel advisory for Mexico, urging tourists to exercise heightened caution while visiting the country. The advisory underscores the prevalence of violent crimes such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery in Mexico, emphasizing the need for vigilance and awareness.
Inquiries Unanswered
Despite ongoing developments, both the State Department and local authorities in the Durango area have yet to provide further insights into the incident. As the investigation continues, the community awaits more information to shed light on this devastating event.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story. For more news coverage, follow Audrey Conklin on Twitter at @audpants or contact her via email at audrey.conklin@fox.com.
