U.S. Citizen Arrested in Playa del Carmen for Alleged Femicide of American Woman

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo — Police arrested an American man on suspicion of femicide after the body of a U.S. woman was discovered in a hotel room in this popular tourist destination.

Investigators from the State Prosecutor’s Office executed an arrest warrant for Shane Poulsen, a U.S. citizen, for his alleged involvement in the killing of a woman who was also American.

The incident occurred on February 17 at a hotel located at the intersection of 24th and 10th Streets in the Centro neighborhood. Hotel staff called emergency services after finding guests’ belongings still inside a room following a key handover.

Upon inspecting the room, investigators discovered the woman’s body under a bedspread. The deceased showed visible injuries to her right arm, neck, and legs.

Authorities learned that the suspect had attempted to extend his stay by one day but left the hotel around noon after being told the room was reserved for another guest.

The Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for Combating Femicide, applying gender perspective protocols, identified Shane Poulsen as the victim’s romantic partner.

After coordinating with U.S. authorities to locate him, police captured the man on 15th South Avenue. At the time of his arrest, he was carrying the victim’s passport.

Officials turned the suspect over to judicial authorities, who will determine his legal status in the coming hours.