Quebec man, 27, fatally shot in Mexico; second tourist death in Oaxaca this week
A Quebec man was fatally shot in Puerto Escondido, a seaside town on Mexico's Pacific coast, the local prosecutor's office said Tuesday.
His body was found Monday inside his vehicle in the streets of the Arroyo Seco neighbourhood of Puerto Escondido, according to a statement from the Oaxaca state attorney general's office.
The office did not provide any possible motive for the murder, stating that an investigation is underway. The victim was identified as 27-year-old Victor Masson.
According to information from the newspaper Le Quotidien, the victim is from Chicoutimi, in the Saguenay--Lac-Saint-Jean region.
In a statement sent to the newspaper Wednesday morning, the family said they were shocked, as some of them learned of the death through the media.
"In order not to interfere with the investigation that has been launched, a statement will be issued when we are able to provide you with the latest information. The family is taking charge of the crisis management. In conclusion, the family of Victor Masson asks the press to respect his privacy, fearing that the dissemination of false information in this case could harm the investigation," the statement read.
In an interview with several Mexican media, Eiva Castillo, who identified herself as Masson's girlfriend, said he did not return to their hotel Sunday night. She reported having previously received a voice mail from him -- broadcast on Mexican television -- asking her to call 911 with his location if he texted her the word "danger."
After launching a search and reporting his car, Castillo said she learned of Masson's death from the state prosecutor's office Monday afternoon, Mexican television reported. She says she has no official version of his death. Masson, however, reportedly made two calls to 911, according to information given to Castillo.
SECOND KILLING IN THE REGION
Masson's killing came three days after a man from Argentina was seriously injured in a machete attack in another coastal town in Oaxaca.
Prosecutors announced Monday that the Argentine tourist died of his injuries in a Mexico City hospital.
According to several Argentine media, the victim is Benjamín Gamond, 23.
He was part of a group of three Argentines who were attacked by a Mexican with a machete on Friday in the hamlet of La Isla, at the mouth of the Laguna de Chacahua on the Pacific coast.
The other two people were also injured in the attack, but their injuries do not appear to be life-threatening.
The suspect was scheduled to appear in court.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on May 17, 2023.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Robert Pickton to remain in medically induced coma until later this week: police
Serial killer Robert Pickton will remain in a medically induced coma for at least the next few days following an attack in a Quebec prison Sunday, according to police spokesperson Hugues Beaulieu.
Charlie Colin, founding member of the pop-rock band Train, dies at 58
Charlie Colin, bassist and founding member of the American pop-rock band Train, best known for their early-aughts hits like 'Drops of Jupiter' and 'Meet Virginia,' has died. He was 58.
'Five feet nothing': Pickton's safety likely behind Quebec transfer, says ex-prison judge
When serial killer Robert Pickton was transferred from British Columbia's Kent Institution to a maximum security prison in Quebec about six years ago, correctional authorities gave no public explanation or confirmation at the time, citing privacy.
'I feel betrayed': Ottawa-area customers out thousands of dollars warn of bad faith contractor
A group of people from eastern Ontario and western Quebec is issuing a warning about Dennis Walker and his company Vue Windows.
Fancy pigeon outfitted in custom diaper has free rein in B.C. family home
When Chrissy Chin volunteered to take in a fancy pigeon abandoned on a park bench, she never imagined she would one day be ordering custom-made diapers for the bird – who lives in her house and has become a member of the family.
'We'll need all hands on deck': Details emerge after deadly boat crash near Kingston
Police say they have wrapped up their on-scene investigation into a deadly boat crash in eastern Ontario as details of the incident begin to emerge.
WestJet planning new fare category for travellers willing to forgo carry-on bag
WestJet Airlines plans to launch a new cheaper fare category that would be available to travellers willing to fly without a carry-on bag.
5 dead and at least 35 hurt in Iowa tornado: officials
Five people died and at least 35 were hurt as powerful tornadoes ripped through Iowa Tuesday, with one carving a path of destruction through the town of Greenfield, officials said.
Woman found dead in Lake Ontario in 2017 matches identity of missing person in Switzerland
Genetic genealogy has helped Toronto police identify a woman who was found dead in Lake Ontario in 2017.