Police Officers Investigated in Fisherman’s Death

Playa del Carmen, Mexico — The case of police officers involved in the death of a fisherman remains under investigation, according to Mayor Estefanía Mercado Asencio, who stated that authorities are working to clarify the incident.

More than a week after the regrettable event, the municipal leader said they are awaiting the results of an investigation by the State Prosecutor's Office to determine if the involved officers bear any responsibility.

"What follows is the investigation. What we did immediately was suspend the police officers who were involved, who are five officers. The Secretary of Citizen Security opened an administrative process through the internal control body, which is parallel. Once the Prosecutor's Office conducts its investigation and the result of culpability is released, we will know," explained the mayor.

This case has generated significant controversy due to the death of the fisherman, who was named Pablo Esteban. On Sunday, September 21, he was detained at Pelícanos Beach, a coastal stretch near the tourist zone. The detention was motivated by an alleged robbery of a cell phone, which was attributed, purportedly, to the now deceased.

In disseminated footage, the moment of his capture in the sea is visible, after he resisted police arrest. In a subsequent shot, Pablo Esteban is seen handcuffed on the sand, while desperately requesting that the restraints on his wrists be loosened, as he felt they were too tight. A group of police officers and civilians, some of whom were also fishermen, are observed around him.

Hours later, family and friends reported his death.

"A process of investigation will be carried out by the Prosecutor's Office, and if they are found to be guilty, the full weight of the law will fall upon them," stated the mayor.

The death sparked several protests against local authorities following the incident. The Quintana Roo State Attorney General's Office also informed that the deceased had allegedly consumed prohibited substances prior to his death.