Cancun, Q.R. — Municipal Police, National Guard, army personnel and the FGE were at the scene of a fatal Cancun Hotel Zone shooting today. A man reported to be in his early 30s was gunned down in a targeted attack around noon.
The targeted shooting happened at Playa Caracol behind the Riu Palace Las Americas hotel shortly before noon Wednesday. Witnesses reportedly told police the shooters were two beachgoers who approached the victim on foot.
The male victim was shot several times and left for dead in the sand behind the hotel while those responsible ran up the beach where they boarded jet skis. A Marina boat was sent out in search of the jet skis used in the escape.
The RIU Hotel released a brief statement to Riviera Maya News clarifying the dead man was not a hotel guest, nor was he an employee of the hotel.
In their statement, Jorge Satorre, Communications Area Manager for the United States and the United Kingdom said “in relation to the unfortunate incident that occurred on Wednesday at Playa Caracol, in front of the Riu Palace Las Americas hotel, RIU Hotels would like to express the following:
- Our team immediately activated the security and emergency protocols, working closely with the municipal and state authorities to provide timely attention to the injured person, who is not a guest from RIU.
- No guests or staff members were affected by this unfortunate event.
- We continue to communicate and cooperate fully with the appropriate authorities to support in any necessary way to ensure the safety of all our guests and employees.
“We reiterate our commitment to the safety and well-being of our guests, employees and the community.”
Police have not identified the deceased man. Scores of official vehicles responded to the 9-1-1 reports of the broad daylight shooting while guests and staff who heard the late morning gunshots ran for cover.
Paramedics confirmed the shooting victim was dead at the scene. A land search for clues for those responsible was also carried out. Authorities cordoned off the affected area while evidence was collected and the body removed.
UPDATED October 3: State officials have since reported that the deceased man, who has not been named, was the driver of the getaway jet ski in the deadly July 28, 2024 Cancun Hotel Zone shooting that left a 12-year-old boy dead from a stray bullet.
