Orange County lawyer's death in Mexico was 'brutal crime,' family says; . Copyright 2023 Raw Story Media, Inc. PO Box 21050, Washington, D.C. 20009 | They arbitrarily opened accesses to dirt roads that would be being used as an escape route for these criminal gangs. "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.". Those who have lived in Rosarito for a long time have a higher crime rate than others. The attorney general of Baja California said in a statement that the autopsy showed Elliot Blair's injuries were likely from a fall and not an act of violence. Install emergency buttons in the security booths of the subdivisions, this with an investment on the part of the neighbors.- Establish WhatsApp groups with all the committees in the area. Little to no investigation into the circumstances into Elliot's death was conducted by the Rosarito Beach Police Department. Elliot was known for a smile on his face and a clever mind, the site reads. They must fly or sail into the ports. The U.S. Embassy Mexico webpage posted travel alerts as recent as January 23, which warned about U.S. citizens being injured by violence between taxi cab drivers and Uber and Cabify drivers in Quintana Roo, a state that includes Cancun, Cozumel and Playa del Carmen. Elliot was known for a smile on his face and a clever mind, a GoFundMe created in Blairs honor reads. All Rights Reserved. Reviewed July 4, 2015 . The liaison said that based on the medical examiners office, Blair died from severe head trauma, but a toxicology report has not yet been completed. Affected neighbors give their testimonies on social networks. Did you encounter any technical issues? i. Expats and residents are more likely to become victims of crime in this area. 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. This is how the tire of my car was . It is important to do your own research and make an informed decision before driving into any unfamiliar territory. LOGIN Subscribe . He told the Los Angeles Times that Blairs injuries he had multiple skull fractures were inconsistent with a fall. Reviewed June 22, 2015 . While the drive itself is relatively safe, there are a few things you should know before making the trip. He was found wearing his underwear, his sleeping T-shirt and socks, according to a family statement. 2023 Tour By Mexico. You should also be aware of your surroundings and not leave your vehicle running unattended. We wish we could provide everyone with more information, but very limited information has been disclosed by authorities in Mexico, it reads. Williams was awakened the next morning by hotel staff telling her that her husband had died from a fall off a third floor breezeway. 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. j. Elliot was a brilliant attorney with a bright future. The Blair family maintains that there was foul play involved, stating that no one from the Rosarito Beach Police Department or the Mexican government has reached out to speak to them. If you want to get to Rosarito from any other city, youll need to take either a yellow cab or a route taxi. Neighbors affected by these criminal gangs have shared some photos and experiences on social networks such as the following: Friends and Family, who travel the toll road, today 4:30 in the morning I was going to my work and in the height of Baja Malibu they were placed in the form of a stone barrier on the road, be very careful since the same personnel from the National Guard commented that it is a trap to rob. The agency did not immediately respond to CNNs request for comment. 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. 1:53 AM EST, Fri January 20, 2023. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. . At the moment, I cant give you a specific date. The case was forwarded to the district attorneys office for a possible homicide investigation, according to the statement. "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. Elliot had an innate ability to connect with people from all walks of life.". They enjoyed dinner and dancing at a nearby restaurant then drove back to the resort. However, it appears that information isn't going to be directly disseminated to the family. According to official data analyzed by the crime monitoring website elcri.men, a homicide rate of 142.8 per 100,000 inhabitants between April and September made Playas de Rosarito, Baja. The U.S. State Department said it was aware of reports of the death of a citizen in Rosarito Beach, Mexico. Drinking is prohibited in public because it is selective enforcement. John Gress/Corbis via Getty Images, State Department advisory: Reconsider travel. 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. As his family works with the United States officials to learn more, Tijuana-based media has reported that the Baja California Prosecutor's Office ruled that Blair died of head trauma from falling off his hotel balcony. Here's what we know. Manage Preferences They just started building a life together in their first year of marriage.. Tijuana, California, and Rosarito, California, both have a high risk of being visited by foreigners, according to US officials. The State Department warns of the omnipresent threat of "crime and kidnapping". Once you have all of these items, you will be able to drive to Rosarito without any problems. 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. 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.". 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. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. As tensions continue to rise between the United States and Mexico, many Americans are wondering if it is still safe to travel to our southern neighbor. The U.S. Department of State advises travelers to only travel during daylight hours. Playas de Rosarito.-. The network ended up being the last media outlet to declare Joe Biden the victor in the national race, the Times pointed out. ", 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. Rosarito Beach Mayor Hilda Araceli Brown Figueredo did not respond to a request for comment. There is no doubt that the route taxi is the most economical method of transportation, but unless you have a large enough group, you might find yourself in unfavorable company. The State Department doesnt track how many Americans have been killed, assaulted or otherwise victimized by criminals in Mexico. U.S. officials have issued travel advisories or alerts for every Mexican state except the Yucatn and Campeche. Speaking out for the first time, wife of California lawyer who died in Mexico recalls his final hours. Second, youll need to be aware of the traffic laws in Mexico. You will also need to purchase a Mexican Tourist Visa, which can be done at the Mexican Consulate or online. 2023 Cable News Network. Shooting incidents between criminal groups have injured or killed innocent bystanders, the State Department warns. California public defender killed while vacationing in Mexico. "He was the victim of a brutal crime," says a GoFundMe set up for Blair's wife, Kim, who is also a public defender. 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. 2 cars were affected. 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. Since 2016, there has been a decrease in robberies and assaults, despite the fact that homicides have increased. ", The Trump-critical Lincoln Project flatly called his speech "insane" and as "dark and dystopian as any he's given. The majority of tourists are safe in Rosarito. Elliot was not intoxicated at the time of this incident, the family said, adding they told the coroners liaison theyll hire a private firm to conduct an independent investigation, including toxicology. Sandy Huffaker/Getty Images. His family says the Orange County lawyer was killed, contrary to what Mexican officials have claimed thus far. Mexico is a relatively safe country to visit, with little restrictions on how one can drive. Like anything else, you should be aware of your surroundings. 2. Blairs family hired a biomechanics and injury expert, Dr. Rami Hashish, to examine Blairs body. Forget about the Traffic Light entering Mexico. Discovery Company. Crime In Rosarito: What Tourists Need To Know The town of Rosarito in Mexico is a popular tourist destination for those looking for a sun-drenched vacation. g. Elliot was not intoxicated at the time of this incident. (Family GoFundMe page) The wife of a California lawyer who believes her husband was killed while she slept in their room . Nevertheless, the U.S. Embassy Mexico noted that Jalisco state issued a state-wide security alert and increased security presence in December as there is the potential for conflicts between police and criminal elements., Mexican marines stand guard at the site of a suspected drug-related execution on March 3, 2012 near Acapulco, Mexico. Updated 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. 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. He was the choice of 62% of the 2,028 CPAC attendees who participated, compared with 20% for Florida Gov. e. The incident did not occur off their room's private balcony, nor any balcony, for that matter. 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. The United States government has issued a warning aboutserious risks when visiting Tijuana and Rosarito, Baja California. Rosarito, Mananillo, and Tijuana beaches were the most violent municipalities during 2019, according to the Citizen Council for Public Security and Criminal Justice. Rosarito, Mexico. It is also a good idea to avoid driving at night. His vehicle also disappeared, his home was ransacked and splashed with blood. The Blair family maintains that there was foul play involved, stating that no one from the Rosarito Beach Police Department or the Mexican government has reached out to speak to them. 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.. But his family said no one from the Rosarito Beach Police Department or any other Mexican officials have directly contacted the family, according to the statement. The grandfather remarked that their mission must be crucial because they normally avoid the dangers in residential areas after dark. Elliot Blair was found dead while on vacation in Mexico. Rosarito is not as dangerous as some other parts of Mexico, but there have been reports of crime, including violence and kidnapping, so it is important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions when traveling. One night, they saw a truck loaded with soldiers roll by their house. US citizen accused of killing North Carolina woman while vacationing. Little to no investigation into the circumstances into Elliot's death was conducted by the Rosarito Beach Police Department. Before that, Solis was at the Redding Record Searchlight as a multimedia journalist, where he anchored coverage of the destructive 2017 fires in Northern California. 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. ", Fox regretted Biden victory scoop because it hurt ratings with right-wing viewers: report, listened to a recording of the Zoom conference, Rupert Murdoch and Fox hosts secretly derided Trump's lies, 'Hate speech to genocide': Right-wing host uses CPAC stage to call for the eradication of transgender people, Democrats may get infuriated by their red-state senators but they'll shut up to stay in power, CPAC attendees fear the event is now just a slush fund for Matt Schlapps legal defense. Blair and his wife has stayed at that hotel multiple times in the past five years, according to the GoFundMe page. 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. Blairs family did not immediately respond to requests for comment. 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, its statement reads. CNN reached out to the Blair familys attorney for more information. The proposals for actions to improve the security of the Coastal Zone that they raised are: 1. There are not enough words to express the level of love he had for Kim. Located just south of the border from San Diego, Rosarito Beach has long been a popular destination for American tourists. Mexican authorities told the Orange County Register that Blair fell from a third-story floor and that his death was accidental. Rosarito Beach is a little jewel on the pacific ocean that many more people need to experience. Tim Stelloh is a breaking news reporter for NBC News Digital. 2023 Cable News Network. 1313. These can be different from the laws in the United States, so its important to familiarize yourself with them before you go. The head of the restaurants, bars and club owners guild was murdered in front of his nightclub in a heavily policed neighborhood. There is a wide range of top-tier restaurants offering world-class cuisine in this city. According to the Citizens Council on Public Safety for Baja California, reports of crime are up 25% in the first quarter of 2022 compared to last year. Al Sharptons old presidential campaign agreed to pay the government $21,250. ", First published on January 18, 2023 / 6:55 AM. wholeheartedly believes based on their initial investigation that Elliot was the victim of a brutal . Establish an operational plan to improve the security of the area that includes: National Guard.-Permanent preventive patrolling in the section of the highway that runs from the Playas de Tijuana booth to Playas de Rosarito.- Install preventive filters in the south to north and north to south accesses on the highway, prioritizing the hours of highest crime incidence.- Intervene in all vehicles that circulate with expired license plates, without license plates or commit traffic offenses. There is a toll road that goes directly to Rosarito Beach. The liaison had told them a toxicology report had not been completed, they said. At least 19 vehicles were set on fire this Friday afternoon in five cities in northern Mexico -Mexicali, Ensenada, Tecate, Rosarito, and Tijuana-, without so far having information that allows knowing which organized crime group executed actions simultaneously. The activist, also a leader of the movement No to the collection of residents in the Playas de Tijuana toll booth refers that they have detected at least three places where this type of armed robbery is committed on that stretch of highway. Crime rates in Rosarito Beach are lower than the national average in Mexico, and there have been no recent reports of violence or crime directed at American tourists. The only communication that the family has received has been through a liaison to the coroner's office. Earlier this week, Blairs family indicated the attorney was a victim of a brutal crime. An investigation found no evidence of violence in the room where Blair and his wife were staying, the statement says. Depending on where you are going, you will have to take one of two types of Mexican taxis. Again cheating on stage. ALSO IN THE NEWS: 'Hate speech to genocide': Right-wing host uses CPAC stage to call for the eradication of transgender people. 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. Elliot had an innate ability to connect with people from all walks of life. He assures that because most crimes are committed at dawn, since the assaults are massive since it is a remote area, the authorities, when they manage to make a call for help, simply does not arrive. 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. 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 mystery would have been still hanging out there.. Elliots smile was radiant and warmed the hearts of every person he came in contact with. Maybe Fox should dump its sophisticated "election prediction apparatus" for an old-fashioned, slower system, or base calls on what viewers want to hear, they said, according to the Times. * These "Mexican officials" still have not reached out to the family with this information. Elliots tragic, untimely, and suspicious death has left his family and community with a huge hole in their hearts that will never be repaired..