Update on Riviera Maya Double Murder

Though the Riviera Maya is a tourism hotspot and this page is normally filled with positive news about the area's attractions, the editors have decided to provide information about the recent murders that occured in the region.

By VIVIAN SONG, TORONTO SUN

PLAYA DEL CARMEN, February 26, 2006 -- Nearly a week after a Canadian couple was found slain in their beachside resort, Mexican authorities have finally asked for Canada's help in solving the increasingly mysterious murders.

Mexican authorities say they're looking for three Canadian women wanted in the brutal slayings of Domenico Ianiero, 59 and his wife, Annunziata, 55, whose throats were slashed at the five-star Barcelo Maya Beach Resort. The couple were celebrating their daughter's wedding.

State prosecutor for Quintana Roo Bello Melchor Rodriguez y Carrillo said he has the names, photos and addresses of the suspects in his office. He denied the delay in asking for Canada's help has hampered the investigation, telling The Canadian Press the request hinged on collecting the necessary evidence.

He also told the local papers Quequi Quintana Roo and Novedades Quintana Roo that he expects to obtain an arrest warrant for the suspects by tomorrow.

The prosecutor sought to quell speculation that the couple were victims of organized crime, after having asserted that the slaying was likely the work of a skilled professional, given the nature of the gashes.

"A lot of things got written about that, but I don't think (it related to organized crime)," Rodriguez told CP. "We work based on concrete evidence. We don't speculate. We go based on what we know."

Though Rodriguez said the bodies and the rest of the wedding party would be returning to Canada yesterday, as of last night, the bodies remained at the Funerales del Caribe morgue in Playa del Carmen.

Mexican tourism officials continue to try to convince future travellers that the slaying was an isolated incident.

Editor's Note: Everything I've seen and read on this incident makes me believe that the assailants were known to the murdered couple prior to their arrival in Mexico. There is no information leading me to believe that they were the victims of any local involvement and there should not be any perceived increase in concern for travelers going to Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya. Our thoughts are with the families and friends of the victims.