On December 11, 2024, California residents Gloria Ambriz, 50, and Rafael Cardona, 53, lost their lives in a shooting incident while on holiday in Michoacán, Mexico, a region notorious for violence associated with organized crime. The Michoacán State Attorney General’s Office reported that the attack took place in Santiago Tangamandapio.
Unidentified assailants ambushed the couple in their black Ford pickup truck. Investigations are underway to determine the motive behind the attack and to identify the individuals involved.
Santiago Tangamandapio is among several areas in Michoacán where criminal organizations frequently engage in territorial disputes and battles over trafficking routes.
Owing to escalating cartel violence, Michoacán has been flagged by the U.S. Department of State, which has issued multiple travel advisories warning American tourists about potential risks. The tragic incident involving Cardona and Ambriz highlights the danger tourists may face in such high-risk areas. The latest advisory for Michoacán, dated October 2024, strongly discourages all travel to the region due to crime and kidnapping threats.
Locals in Santiago Tangamandapio have reported frequent violent incidents, with one resident stating, “It’s not safe to drive here, even during the day.” The violence has negatively affected local commerce and tourism, previously significant revenue sources for the region.
Cardona and Ambriz, originally from California, had strong connections to the municipality of Angamacutiro, where they owned property. Cardona was related by marriage to the local mayor, Hermes Pacheco. Their regular visits to the area made their untimely deaths particularly shocking for the local community.
The violence seen in this incident is reflective of a growing nationwide trend that has worsened in recent months. A surge in political assassinations has been observed, with over 60 politicians killed during Mexico’s 2024 general elections. High-profile incidents, such as the beheading of Chilpancingo Mayor Alejandro Arcos in the state of Guerrero, exemplify the ongoing danger for civilians and public officials alike.
Despite these challenges, Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum has vowed to address the cartel crisis through social programs aimed at addressing the root causes of crime. However, critics argue that her continuation of the “hugs, not bullets” approach has been ineffective in curbing the violence. Since the militarized war on drugs began in 2006, over 450,000 people have lost their lives in cartel-related violence, with no signs of decrease.
The deaths of Ambriz and Cardona have reignited concerns about the safety of American tourists in Mexico. The State Department reported that in 2024 alone, over 150 U.S. citizens were killed in Mexico, many in areas rife with cartel activity. The federal government recommends avoiding non-essential travel to high-risk states such as Michoacán, Jalisco, and Guerrero.
The inquiry into the couple’s deaths continues as local and federal authorities collaborate to ensure the culprits are brought to justice. Yet, with over 90% of crimes in Mexico going unpunished, there are doubts about whether the individuals responsible will ever face retribution.
