Teen Arrested in Double Homicide in Cozumel Neighborhood

Cozumel, Quintana Roo — Authorities have arrested a teenager in connection with the shooting deaths of two young men on July 30 in the Emiliano Zapata neighborhood, prosecutors said.

The suspect, a minor from Cozumel whose name has not been released, is accused of participating in the attack with another man who remains at large, according to the State Prosecutor’s Office. Investigators said they are still searching for the second man, who is believed to have fled the scene on a motorcycle.

The victims were identified as a 16-year-old boy and Carlos Yael, 22. They were standing outside a home on Calle 90 Norte when gunmen opened fire, prosecutors said. The 16-year-old died at the scene; Carlos Yael was taken to a hospital in serious condition and died hours later from his injuries.

Neighbors reported hearing multiple gunshots, prompting a response from police and emergency crews.

At a news conference announcing the arrest, the prosecutor said both victims worked at a beach club on the island. He added that one of the main lines of investigation suggests the killings may be linked to debts from drug sales, but stressed that investigators are continuing to build the case.

The teenage suspect was handed over to a juvenile court judge, who will determine his legal status in the coming days, prosecutors said.

In an unconfirmed development, Carlos Yael had previously been arrested on drug-related charges, but prosecutors did not say whether that record was connected to the motive for the killing.

Residents of the neighborhood said the violence has caused concern. “What people want is for the case to be fully cleared up and not go unpunished,” said Hugo Castillo, a resident. Lucía Herrera, a shopkeeper in the area, said, “It’s important for the authorities to keep investigating and strengthen security so that situations like this don’t happen again.”

The double killing is among the most recent major violent incidents in Cozumel. In a separate attack in the 10 de Abril neighborhood in May 2025, two people were killed and a minor was injured, authorities said. The prosecutor’s office said the current investigation remains open as it works to locate the second suspect.