Playa del Carmen: 3 Similar Homicides Spark Alarm

Playa del Carmen, Mexico — The city of Playa del Carmen has been shaken by three homicides in just five days, raising alarms among residents due to the identical “modus operandi” used in each case. The victims—two men and one woman—were found dead inside their homes, all bound and with wounds inflicted by a sharp object.

Similarities in the Crimes

The killings occurred between April 25 and April 30, 2025, though authorities have not provided details on the progress of the investigation or confirmed whether the cases are connected.

The first two bodies were discovered on April 25 in different neighborhoods of the municipality. The third victim was found late on April 29, around 11:30 p.m., on 56th Street near 35th Avenue in the Colosio neighborhood. Neighbors reported foul odors coming from a residence, prompting police to investigate. Upon arrival, officers from the Secretariat of Citizen Security found the body of a bound man with stab wounds.

Preliminary reports identified the deceased as Daniel “N,” who rented the home and allegedly worked as a washing machine repairman. Neighbors stated they had not seen him for several days, suggesting the homicide may have occurred earlier.

Only One Victim Fully Identified

Of the three victims, only one has been fully identified: a physiotherapist murdered inside his clinic. The second case involves an unidentified woman.

Despite the similarities in the crimes—binding and the use of a sharp weapon—the State Prosecutor’s Office has not confirmed a connection between the three cases. However, the repeated pattern has raised suspicions that the killings may be the work of a single perpetrator or group.

In response, police presence has been reinforced in several areas of the city. Authorities have urged residents to remain calm and report any suspicious activity to emergency hotlines.