Murder in Cancun Reported 12 Hours Later as Fearful Neighbors Stay Silent

Cancun, Quintana Roo — A man was found dead in his apartment in Cancun’s Supermanzana 259 neighborhood on Friday, more than 12 hours after he was shot, after neighbors failed to report the attack out of fear of reprisals, authorities said.

The victim was killed early Friday morning when two men entered his home on Miguel Hidalgo Avenue (Ruta 5) in the Villas Otoch Paraiso area and fired at least four shots before fleeing, according to police reports.

Residents who heard the gunshots chose not to alert authorities, fearing retaliation and legal trouble. It was not until Friday afternoon that someone made an anonymous call to 911, prompting a police response.

When officers arrived, frightened neighbors whispered and pointed to the apartment where the attack occurred. Police entered and found the victim’s body with no vital signs.

Investigators determined the shooting happened around 3 a.m. Witnesses reported seeing two men leave the home and walk away, but no detailed description of the suspects was confirmed.

Forensic investigators and state police officers collected the body and transported it to the medical examiner’s office for an autopsy.