4 US Citizens Kidnapped In Mexico After Being Mistaken For Haitian Drug Traffickers; 2 Found Dead, 2 Rescued Alive

CNN reported that the search for Latavia “Tay” Washington McGee, Zindell Brown, Shaeed Woodard and Eric Williams has ended, and Mexican officials shared they discovered their whereabouts. Unfortunately, Brown and Woodard were found deceased, and Williams was injured. Washington McGee was unharmed. Tamaulipas Attorney General Irving Barrios revealed the update in a tweet.

“Derived from the joint search actions, the four American citizens deprived of their liberty last Friday were found. Unfortunately, two dead. Investigation and intelligence work continue to capture those responsible. Details will be given later,” Barrios wrote.

Corporaciones federales y estatales, con personal de Consulado #EUA en #Matamoros entregaron en puente internacional a 2 ciudadanos de aquel país, localizados hoy luego que fueron privados de su libertad el pasado 3 marzo #Sedena #Marina #GuardiaNacional #FGJT #SSPT #FGR #CNI

— Dr. Irving Barrios Mojica (@IrvingBarriosM) March 7, 2023

The four friends went to Mexico to support Washington McGee, a mother of six, in her cosmetic surgery. Her family told CNN this was her second or third time going to the country for a medical procedure since she had no complications after she went three years ago.

According to CNN, on Friday, unidentified shooters kidnapped the friends from their white minivan as they journeyed to the border city of Matamoros. Authorities speculate the suspects who shot at the van and forced the South Carolina residents into another vehicle were members of the Mexican cartel and believed the tourists were mistaken for Haitian drug traffickers and weren’t the intended targets.

This tragic situation is another incident involving the Mexican drug war. In addition, the CDC has warned Americans to minimize the risks involved in visiting other countries for medical procedures.

The investigation is ongoing as authorities uncover the details behind the attack.