Fisherman’s Death: 5 Officers Under Investigation

Playa del Carmen, Mexico — Authorities have confirmed that the case regarding the death of Pablo Esteban, a fisherman detained for alleged theft on Pelícanos beach, remains under investigation following the incident last September. The Attorney General's Office of the State of Quintana Roo is conducting inquiries to determine whether the five police officers involved used excessive force.

The incident occurred on Sunday, September 21, when Pablo Esteban was detained in the sea by police officers after being accused of stealing a cell phone. In videos that circulated on social media, the man is seen handcuffed on the sand, pleading for the handcuffs to be loosened because they were too tight. Hours later, his death was reported by family and friends.

Given the gravity of the event, the municipal government acted immediately by suspending the five implicated police officers. Furthermore, the Secretariat of Citizen Security opened an internal administrative procedure through its internal control body, which is proceeding in parallel to the criminal investigation being conducted by the state Attorney General's Office.

Recently, authorities stated that they are awaiting official results, reiterating their commitment to legality. They reported, "If it is determined that there is guilt, the full weight of the law will be brought to bear." Additionally, the City Council is collaborating with the corresponding authorities to clarify the events in a transparent manner.

The case has provoked protests and demonstrations from the local community, which is demanding justice and a review of police conduct. The Attorney General's Office has indicated that the deceased may have consumed prohibited substances, although this does not exempt the officers from possible responsibility during the detention.