Sonoyta, Mexico — Two elderly women from Arizona lost their lives in a violent attack on a notorious highway in Sonora, authorities reported. The incident happened on August 23 when the victims, aged 72 and 82, were found deceased beside their overturned vehicle, a white Nissan Pathfinder riddled with bullet holes.
The victims, identified only as Enedina and Ubaldina from Arizona, were en route to their hometown of Caborca, situated more than 100 miles southwest from the U.S.-Mexico border. The local prosecutor’s office indicated that their journey turned tragic when they faced gunfire from unidentified assailants.
Following the discovery of the women’s bodies on the Sonoyta-Caborca highway, a stolen navy blue Ford F-150 was located by law enforcement near the scene. Inside the truck, officials found an arsenal including four AK-47 rifles, several magazines, cartridges, and three ballistic vests, revealing the dangerous elements prevalent in this region.
The brutal attack prompted a swift response from local security forces, employing both air and ground units in an extensive search operation. Despite these efforts, no suspects have been arrested in connection to the killings.
U.S. State Department spokesperson stated they were saddened by the deaths and are diligently monitoring the situation. They confirmed that one of the women was an American citizen and the other a lawful permanent resident.
This deadly incident underscores the ongoing security issues in the state of Sonora, a region marred by frequent violent incidents and crimes. It has been a hotspot for such tragic events, including the murder of a California graduate student last year.
In light of these dangers, the U.S. State Department has continually updated its travel advisories, categorizing Sonora as high-risk area where tourism or unnecessary visits are strongly discouraged due to the elevated risks of violence and kidnapping.
The deteriorating security situation along key routes such as the Sonoyta-Caborca highway serves as a stark reminder of the challenges Mexico faces in curbing violence related to organized crime. As investigations continue and bilateral discussions about border safety persist, the international community watches closely, hoping for strategies that will stem the tide of violence impacting both nations.