BajaNomad - Duane Curtis; Playa Armenta killing - WAS: Crime in Mulege...

Duane Curtis; Playa Armenta killing - WAS: Crime in Mulege...

Pages: 1 2 3

Bruce R Leech - 11-13-2006 at 01:46 PM

this post has been edited by Bruce R Leech under duress.

use this info how ever you can to protect yourself and family from harm

this post will probably be Deleted soon so keep the thread going

[Edited on 11-14-2006 by Bruce R Leech]

[Edited on 11-14-2006 by Bruce R Leech]

[Edited on 11-17-2006 by BajaNomad]

bajabound2005 - 11-13-2006 at 02:09 PM

Bruce, your words could save someone's life. Thanks for sharing.

BajaWarrior - 11-13-2006 at 02:34 PM

Thanks for not "sugar coating" your comments Bruce. Times are changing in Baja unfortunatley. It's still the best place on earth for me and my family, we just love spending time in our vacation house and staying active. Although, I just might have to start locking the doors at night.

People, please stay safe in your environment!

FARASHA - 11-13-2006 at 02:42 PM

VERY UGLY STORY, I though it's just all up north the sh**t happen. This is NO good for sure. Is Police, anything doing???
I mean locking the doors at night is not enough!
There must be more done!

longlegsinlapaz - 11-13-2006 at 02:53 PM

For what it's worth, I think you did the right thing by posting this information. You'd have been doing Nomads & others a disservice if you hadn't! I saw Capt Mike's post about the stolen airplane....is this a relatively new development, or has it been going on all along? One death & one intended death is horrendous for that area. Dumb question, but does Mulege have their own police, or is it served out of some other town? Does anyone have any leads for likely suspects?

Bruce R Leech - 11-13-2006 at 03:25 PM

thanks Hose A

Frank - 11-13-2006 at 03:40 PM

Thanks Bruce, it wont stop us from coming down, but our guard will be up.

tripledigitken - 11-13-2006 at 03:48 PM

Bruce,

Where is your business located? We will be down over Thanksgiving and we wanted to stop by and say hello.

Ken

toneart - 11-13-2006 at 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by tripledigitken
Bruce,

Where is your business located? We will be down over Thanksgiving and we wanted to stop by and say hello.

Ken

Ken,
Best to ask this in private....U2U

DianaT - 11-13-2006 at 04:11 PM

Thanks Bruce,

We will still come down, and we will still visit Mulege, but it is good to know that we just have to be more cautious.

To not post this information would have been wrong.

Thank You, and I hope it is not deleted.

Diane

Diver - 11-13-2006 at 04:18 PM

Thank you Bruce.
We are still coming but appreciate any information that will help keep the family safe.
Any particular beach area this is happening at ?
Please U2 any other info you care to share.
Stay safe yourself; we'll see you in mid-January !

.

Bruce R Leech - 11-13-2006 at 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by tripledigitken
Bruce,

Where is your business located? We will be down over Thanksgiving and we wanted to stop by and say hello.

Ken

We are in the center of town right across from the laundry mat

please all Nomads stop and say high if you get a chance

[Edited on 11-14-2006 by Bruce R Leech]

jerry - 11-13-2006 at 05:13 PM

thanks bruce for the heads up i too think its nessary to warn ppl when you can

JZ - 11-13-2006 at 06:04 PM

Wow. Very sad.

jerry - 11-13-2006 at 07:17 PM

im thinking this needs to stay in the forfront

Bruce- please provide a few clues on this stuff

CasaManzana - 11-13-2006 at 09:40 PM

Bruce- I have tried today in Mulege to find someone who can provide any details on these two incidents. Why has none of the locals or gringos in town heard of any of this? Please provide dates and locations so I can seek details and substantiate this story. (email me directly if you wish to not expose the information here)

[Edited on 11-14-2006 by CasaManzana]

Others Echo Bruce's Concerns

lindsay - 11-13-2006 at 09:53 PM

As Bruce knows, I used to live in Mulege and I was devastated to have my boss at work tell me her daughter's friend is the grandson of the tourist who was murdered this past weekend.

While trying to get numbers and contacts for them as they are flying to Loreto tomorrow and then going up to Santa Rosalia where the grandfather's body is, I couldn't not think about how tragic that this family's introduction to Mulege will be due to such violence in a place that we all love.

Bruce's words, my daughter's Mexican family and other friends' sentiments make me sad that this place is being put on edge and questioning their safety.

The flood in September has already caused so much suffering...let's hope that this violence does not deepen...

Iflyfish - 11-13-2006 at 10:09 PM

Thanks Bruce.
Iflyfish

Bajabus - 11-13-2006 at 11:38 PM

that's crazy...I used to think the Catavinia are was pretty bad and that once you got past there it was just some petty theft that you had to be on guard for but this is a new level.

Can someone please post more details? was the person in the trailer in a desolate spot with no one else around? was it a popular location?

I know this won't make me very popular but I am all for being armed, being trained to use it, using it, and then getting the hell out of mexico as fast as I can and screw sticking around to report anything.

FARASHA - 11-14-2006 at 02:41 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajabus
I know this won't make me very popular but I am all for being armed, being trained to use it, using it, and then getting the hell out of mexico as fast as I can and screw sticking around to report anything.

I support this absolutely - seems the guys in Uniform are useless, as I read just on another thread.
I'm a rather peaceful person, but when I've enough- I can be as mean as a rabid dog. :fire:

And I think it's about time to take action, which way ever.
I understood from another post that it's quite known who are the Perps - Give them the Blanket!

kellychapman - 11-14-2006 at 03:26 AM

If there were a way to have a gun in Mexico I would have one.......so I have 3 dogs....one being a staffordshire terrier just in case I need a weapon. I will not put myself in harms way for the bastards that sneak up on you in the night and harm you. It makes me sick to think of such tragedy happening.....and I too am meaner then a junk yard dog myself when threatened.....thanks for the post.....I give prayers for the ones who where so unfortuntate......

MeToo!

Sharksbaja - 11-14-2006 at 04:10 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by kellychapman
If there were a way to have a gun in Mexico I would have one.......so I have 3 dogs....one being a staffordshire terrier just in case I need a weapon. I will not put myself in harms way for the bastards that sneak up on you in the night and harm you. It makes me sick to think of such tragedy happening.....and I too am meaner then a junk yard dog myself when threatened.....thanks for the post.....I give prayers for the ones who where so unfortuntate......

I guess my first response would be :
WTF

I am shocked to say the least that I was not informed earlier of the heinous assault(s) Bruce reported here. I am feeling very uneasy right now. Bruce???????Text

FARASHA - 11-14-2006 at 04:48 AM

SHARKS you didn't hear ANYTHING while there?
Seems that people of Mulege don't tell each other to watch out and be prepaired!
Who's interest is it, to keep it covered!
Tourism Industry?

Skeet/Loreto - 11-14-2006 at 07:02 AM

Keep the Faith Nomads.
The people of the small Towns and Villages have a way of taking care of Their Loved ones who are subject to Assault.
They also will Protect their source of Income{Tourist and American Friends}.

Skeet/Loreto

Al G - 11-14-2006 at 07:51 AM

Just a thought....I would keep an eye out for Tattooed Mexicans, that do not speak Mexican.

Bajalero - 11-14-2006 at 09:21 AM

Quote:

Who's interest is it, to keep it covered!
Tourism Industry?

Yes Farasha: Tourism , real estate interests. , drug trade , power brokers, .

Its always about MONEY , your safety be damned.

Sra. Gaxiola couldn't have said it better. :no:

lero

rivergirl - 11-14-2006 at 10:23 AM

Bruce, thank you for posting! I am so sad to see this happen in Mulege. I have to say that I have always felt that the most dangerous part of our trip to Mulege has been making it through LA. We have always taken every precaution, locking things down and putting stuff up every night in camp as we know petty theft can happen. (any where) That kind of violence against tourists was stuff that until now I had only read about happening up in Northern Baja. (of course, I guess its stupid to think that bad people cant travel) We live in a very remote peaceful area (but rainy in Jan.) That’s why we have traveled all the way to the tip of Baja and the last 3 years have made our destination Mulege for the full vacation, as we love the relaxed pace. We have found it to be the best beaches for our children. Any other details someone wants to U2U me would be appericated. :?:

( I have some of the same questions as BajaBus; location, secluded etc.) I havent posted much over the years but I have watched the board for years and appericate greatly all of you who post.
This is diffently the last thing that Mulege needed right now with all that has happened with the flooding.
Thanks.... Carrol

this post has been edited by Bruce R Leech under duress.

Bruce R Leech - 11-14-2006 at 10:25 AM

*******************

[Edited on 11-14-2006 by Bruce R Leech]

FARASHA - 11-14-2006 at 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Skeet/Loreto
Keep the Faith Nomads.
The people of the small Towns and Villages have a way of taking care of Their Loved ones who are subject to Assault.
They also will Protect their source of Income{Tourist and American Friends}.

Skeet/Loreto

yeah - WITH 2 VICTIMS already, they did very well!
Nothing against their good will - but thats just not enough.
And people are kept without information, Sharks didn't hear anything and he was THERE, so did others who LIVE there.
Sorry, but I can't see that Skeet!

MAYBE Nomads should spread the NEWS by U2U to those,who are in the same area, (or about to go there) so they KNOW for WHAT/WHOM to look out!
So it wouldn't warn lurkers here.
And wouldn't expose those who give that information!
OR go to the CHATROOM.

mulegeloco - 11-14-2006 at 10:36 AM

Hi!
to all of you there
Have you ever lived in a big city??.... just follow the same security rules and you will have no troubles at all... It's a shame to mention this but looks like the kind of progress price to pay for this small and no ready yet for "development" towns :barf:

mulegeloco - 11-14-2006 at 10:38 AM

opssssss I didn't want to go as far as the "smily" face I've chossen

FARASHA - 11-14-2006 at 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bruce R Leech
this is the problem here when these things happen no one tells anyone else.If you are not connected to the local gov. then you don't know what is really going on. these post will probably blow our connection to the local Gov. and more. sorry I cant give more details, there are a Lot of them but I'm not saying more.

I do understand your point - you got to protect yourself and Family, no need to expose yourself.

I hope that those I know in Mulege, are safe and INFORMED. That is my biggest concern. There must be a way to communicate within the community in such events. To spread the word.
Makes me sick - that one has to fear not only the criminals, also the officials ( even more).

FARASHA - 11-14-2006 at 10:48 AM

NO need to be sorry about your smiley - it fits perfectly. mulegeloco!!

AND I do live in a BIG city - no tourists gets hacked here with a Macheta, or is murdered in his RV on an campingsite, by night, without anybody to hear about it within HOURS. No ONE gets problems because he speaks about it!!

What angers me is not the sheer crime - NO- its that people are not ALLOWED to TELL without to fear consequences.

tripledigitken - 11-14-2006 at 10:56 AM

Mulegeloco has it right. Baja Sur is following the path of the rest of the world. Progress brings both good and bad. I like others are shedding tears over the current affairs, events that didn't seem to happen in this little paradise. We all have to accept that crime and its consequences is a certainty we will all face eventually both at home and in Baja.

Will I stop coming down to Baja....NO!! We are coming down to Mulege next week, and will continue to come down. We will just be prepared a little differently than in the past.

JESSE - 11-14-2006 at 11:05 AM

Mulege is a small town, its not like northern baja where criminals can hide in a city of 3 million. If these things are happening, whats going on with the Police over there? it doesnt seem to me this is anything more than regular criminals to me, so why arent they doing their job?

Bruce R Leech - 11-14-2006 at 11:12 AM

Jesse I thought you new Mexico better than that.

mulegeloco - 11-14-2006 at 11:17 AM

Jesse
Do you remember tree people shooted at La Paz downtown time ago?? Do you know what happened????... me neither. If that happens in La Paz, what could we expect from Mulege with only 8 uniformed policemen.....they will certainly like to have a 3 million people city resources too.....

mulegeloco - 11-14-2006 at 11:19 AM

jajajajajaja sorryyyyy "three"

jerry - 11-14-2006 at 11:41 AM

in small town the police know everyone but might step on the wrong ppl toes i think now the drugglords have everyone scard

Hook - 11-14-2006 at 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jerry
in small town the police know everyone but might step on the wrong ppl toes i think now the drugglords have everyone scard

EXACTLY!! The local police may be wondering just how connected some of their local crooks are to the cartels. As a result, they are reluctant to do much, after reading about cops in TJ, Rosarito, etc.

Diver - 11-14-2006 at 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Summanus
We have heard that the beach asked about in connection with this violent crime is Requeson Beach ..which is about 25 miles south of Mulege within the Bay of Conception. Terrible news confirmed, I am sad to say.

Eww, that hits a little closer to home.
I would like to say/think that things will be safe when there are 30+ campers on the beach but ......
Three years ago some banditos came into camp at Requeson and stole a few small items. That's pretty brave. I guess they could almost as easily have done more damage.

I had expected a rise in small time burglery and theft after the floods but not this.

We'll have to keep a close eye on the ever-changing climate.

Maybe add a german shepherd with the 2 labs so we get a little bite with all the bark ?!

.

toneart - 11-14-2006 at 12:55 PM

Crime has been happening in Mulege for quite awhile. There have been rumors of drug lords and people involved with Meth living there. I say "rumors" because where can you go to get something like that confirmed?....and now this!
This is the first time I have heard of this kind of violence around Mulege.

I think that it is time for the Mexican Government to move the army into all towns. When I was traveling in Guatemala in the '70s you would see soldiers on every street corner, not only in cities, but also in small towns. It initially gets some getting used to, seeing zitty-faced kids in uniforms with rifles, but they did keep a lid on things. They were apparently well disciplined.
Now, I am not talking about violating civil rights, even if it isn't the United States. I am saying that just the presence and visibility of the army would be a deterrent.

As was mentioned before, the police know who the perps are. Wouldn't they feel safer putting the finger on them if they were backed up by the army?

Drug money is a major source of the underground economy. It circulates and supports people, business and Government...many whom are not even directly involved. Our choices, in the US and Mexico are to either back up the "war on drugs rhetoric" or else legalize it. Legalizing it would eliminate the market, or at least put the thugs and gangs out of business. Let the fools who are users kill themselves off.

[Edited on 11-16-2006 by toneart]

Be prepared for common theives

Sharksbaja - 11-14-2006 at 01:42 PM

I doubt that the perps who harm people will continue their assaults on the popular beaches. Most likely they will return to petty theft.
Always keep an eye on your stuff. Targets include drunken idiots and folks far from camp. Dogs are a good idea. If you can't defend yourself carry mace. Personally, I keep a big heavy tool nearby when sleeping. If camping outside I would recommend that you have something similar.

I just camped for a week on Playa Coyote. It was very nice. Nobody but me and the dog. I watch very closely who comes by. I am suspect of the vendors in the old vans. They seem to be around when no one else is. I shoo them away before they can eyeball my goodies.

Use common sense. I have been ripped off in places like Mallarimo Beach (sp.?)where there wasn't a soul visible for miles.

Three weeks ago my temporary home:

Playacoyote.jpg - 39kB

FARASHA - 11-14-2006 at 01:51 PM

Looks awesome. I envy you!!

Hook - 11-14-2006 at 02:08 PM

Nice front yard! Low maintenance, too.

Summanus - 11-14-2006 at 02:14 PM

I think we have camped next to those palms ourselves. Did you find it very hot during the day? What did you do to secure your camp while gone?

Sharksbaja - 11-14-2006 at 02:17 PM

I took everything with me everyday. Beautiful weather, low 80's. Some pesky skeeters tho the first few nights!

JESSE - 11-14-2006 at 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mulegeloco
Jesse
Do you remember tree people shooted at La Paz downtown time ago?? Do you know what happened????... me neither. If that happens in La Paz, what could we expect from Mulege with only 8 uniformed policemen.....they will certainly like to have a 3 million people city resources too.....

What happened in La Paz and whats happening in Tijuana is linked to organized crime. In a way i can understand why cops in big cities look the other way, because they can end up dead if they challenge the cartels. But Mulege?? i didnt know there was a Mulege cartel do you?

This means two things to me:

1.-Cops are crooked in Mulege
2.-You can do something about it since theres no powerful forces behind crime there.

DianaT - 11-14-2006 at 02:27 PM

What I don't understand is that if tourists from the US or Canada are injured and or murdered, why is it not reported in the US news ---seems like the relatives would report it???

Sure hope it does not continue.

Diane

this post has been edited by Bruce R Leech under duress.

Bruce R Leech - 11-14-2006 at 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jdtrotter
What I don't understand is that if tourists from the US or Canada are injured and or murdered, why is it not reported in the US news ---seems like the relatives would report it???

Sure hope it does not continue.

Diane

[Edited on 11-14-2006 by Bruce R Leech]

Bruce R Leech - 11-14-2006 at 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by JESSE

Quote:

Jesse check your u2u

[Edited on 11-14-2006 by Bruce R Leech]

QuePasaBaja - 11-14-2006 at 02:42 PM

Bruce sorry to hear that you have this going on, and that you felt that you should not say something about it. I for one am glad that you did.

As I have said, I am in North Baja in the Rosarito beach area, and things in our area has been pretty calm involving Americans. But the Mexican on Mexican killings has been out of control, so we all know that this could move into americans getting hurt.

So with that in mind, the only thing that I would sugguest to people, is steppin up your own security. Make sure that all your outside lights work, and maybe put in some motionsnesors on them. And the biggest thing, is strongly consider getting a dog. It is amazing how many bad guys will walk away from a place with a dog.

DianaT - 11-14-2006 at 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bruce R Leech

Quote:

unless the families of these people go to the Medea how are they going to find out

I don't understand why the familes don't report it. Yes, it would not do tourism in Baja any good, but maybe it would shake things up a little. When the family of the famous Natalie who disappeared in Aruba refused to give up, the news was all over Aruba for a very long time. Then again, it might just make things worse----don't know, just speculating.

When we get down there the next time, I hope to stop by and meet you.

Diane

Don Alley - 11-14-2006 at 03:02 PM

Times have changed. We get emails in the summer with lists of people who got burgled. A bedside armed robbery, too. Last winter, according to a Mexican friend with friends downtown, a tourist couple was robbed at a beach south of town at gunpoint, and they lost their truck and all their stuff.

At a recent meeting, a city representative claimed that burglars could not be convicted and jailed unless caught in the act. I wonder, will that be true for more serious crimes?

The look and feel of the town has certainly changed. Different faces with different looks, people clearly from other places, many young men here without family.

Yeah, it's about money, but I don't think it's the drug cartels' greed that's driving the changes here.

this post has been edited by Bruce R Leech under duress.

Bruce R Leech - 11-14-2006 at 03:06 PM

[Edited on 11-14-2006 by Bruce R Leech]

bancoduo - 11-14-2006 at 03:35 PM

Thats incredible considering that LA is the same size as Mulege. :barf:

this post has been edited by Bruce R Leech under duress.

Bruce R Leech - 11-14-2006 at 03:37 PM

[Edited on 11-14-2006 by Bruce R Leech]

this post has been edited by Bruce R Leech under duress.

Bruce R Leech - 11-14-2006 at 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob and Susan
that's 1460 robberies a year???

that would mean 1/2 the population gets robbed every year

i don't think so

[Edited on 11-14-2006 by Bob and Susan]

[Edited on 11-14-2006 by Bruce R Leech]

bancoduo - 11-14-2006 at 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bruce R Leech
this post has been edited by Bruce R Leech under duress.

use this info how ever you can to protect yourself and family from harm

this post will probably be Deleted soon so keep the thread going

[Edited on 11-14-2006 by Bruce R Leech]

DENNIS - 11-14-2006 at 05:19 PM

What's happening here??????

toneart - 11-14-2006 at 05:44 PM

Bruce sounds really scared. I hope he is OK. "Under duress" could mean anything from wishing he had never posted it in the first place, to editing at gunpoint.

In his first post in this string, he indicated he couldn't say more or go into detail. When some newby asked Bruce to give his location, I posted "better ask in private...U2U. Then Bruce goes ahead and posts his location for the whole world to see. I don't get that.

Now, how are we who have homes, families and friends there going to find out what happened and is happening? Somebody knows. Please post it anonymously. I also would like a U2U but don't want to sit on the info. I would like everyone who has legitimate concerns in Mulege to know what is really happening.

mtgoat666 - 11-14-2006 at 05:55 PM

This is a silly discussion -- people seem to be posting lots of stuff about a secret happening. Have some balls and post a story, or scip the scare tactics.

Mr Goat

Sharksbaja - 11-14-2006 at 06:17 PM

Silly would hardly be the correct adjective. If you understood the potential gravity of printing bad news directed at crooks or thugs or bad cops in a small town, then you might realize that good intentions are not always met with open arms. Quite the opposite I venture to guess with this thread. Please don't misunderstand Bruces' appeal to folks connected to Mulege. His intentions are/were for our benefit. It is a sticky situation to say the least. Perhaps dangerous.

Comprende?

KLR650 - 11-14-2006 at 06:48 PM

While a BajaNomad newby, I am a long time Mexico traveler. I feel concern, not panic about these incidents in Muleje. I am going by motorcycle to Mexico in March and plan to stay some time in Muleje. Further information on this incident, areas to avoid and progress on this crimes investigation would be helpful to me and many others planning on travel south. Keep this going or u2u me.
Thank You

bancoduo - 11-14-2006 at 07:04 PM

Maybe he is under duress from some nomads with vested interests$$ rather then the safety of others. :?:

jerry - 11-14-2006 at 07:21 PM

bancoduro i think that was a very unfare asumption he put it out there

longlegsinlapaz - 11-14-2006 at 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bancoduo
Maybe he is under duress from some nomads with vested interests$$ rather then the safety of others. :?:

That was one of the most asinine comments you've made!!! Try putting yourself in his position! He had the guts to post current information that needs to be made public, knowing full well that he could be putting himself & his family at risk. He said up front that it might be posted just for a short time. Obviously he had reason to feel he needed to disassociate himself from the topic. Try to have the common decency to respect his decision, both in his original post AND it's removal. :mad:

Thanks Legs

Sharksbaja - 11-14-2006 at 08:03 PM

for stating the obvious. When it comes to dirty ill-earned money Bancodrool knows the score.

Baja Bernie - 11-14-2006 at 08:09 PM

Why have everyone igonred this statement by Bruce????"this post has been edited by Bruce R Leech under duress." Repeated several times!!!!

Does that not tell even the....oh crap.....of you that, perhaps he can not post as freely as he wishes.

Lee - 11-14-2006 at 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mtgoat666
This is a silly discussion -- people seem to be posting lots of stuff about a secret happening. Have some balls and post a story, or scip the scare tactics.

By silly, I might agree that there is alot of drama here. The happening alluded to here isn't all that secret.

Showing restraint and maturity would only reflect on your wisdom. Respect Bruce's wish to not post on this subject right now.

:cool:

Hook - 11-14-2006 at 09:24 PM

I'm not sure what's more distressing........the crimes committed or the fact that persons would threaten Bruce to the point of duress for revealing it.

Not good for Mulege, either way..............

FARASHA - 11-15-2006 at 12:06 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Hook
I'm not sure what's more distressing........the crimes committed or the fact that persons would threaten Bruce to the point of duress for revealing it.

Not good for Mulege, either way..............

Thats what I tried to point out at the beginning of this thread - it's not the crime itself that angers me - it's the fact that People get threatened for making it public.
And it was a brave act that Bruce did it - a high risk, and I respect his removals/editings if done on free will.
My concerns are now - is he now SAFE? Or has someone threatened him ?

Here's what I don't get....

CasaManzana - 11-15-2006 at 12:11 AM

....the locals...the gringos in town...they are all shocked that I am even asking about these things Bruce reported. No one can say they have heard of any of this. It's clear to me that they are not trying to cover up or hide anything...no one has heard of this stuff. In a small town like this, where everyone knows everyone's toilet flushes...I just don't get it. Everyone here on the Nomad is jumping into the drug theory/the cover up/the cloke and dagger theory...yet there is not one ounce of evidence THAT I CAN FIND that says any of this happened. Bruce, or someone please give me a lead here.

FARASHA - 11-15-2006 at 12:31 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by lindsay
As Bruce knows, I used to live in Mulege and I was devastated to have my boss at work tell me her daughter's friend is the grandson of the tourist who was murdered this past weekend.

While trying to get numbers and contacts for them as they are flying to Loreto tomorrow and then going up to Santa Rosalia where the grandfather's body is, I couldn't not think about how tragic that this family's introduction to Mulege will be due to such violence in a place that we all love.

CASAMANZANA - go through the threads - there are some nomads who could confirm what we have been told.

Mulegena - 11-15-2006 at 07:41 AM

Have there been news reports in the US about these incidents? Can we hear directly from the families of the victims, please?

The Murder at the Beach Did Happen!!

lindsay - 11-15-2006 at 08:25 AM

Trust me, the murder at the beach happened. I was asked by the deceased man's grandson and his family to get contact numbers in Mulege to help them. They are all in Santa Rosalia now dealing with the recovery of his body.

There are various reports that the man was stabbed at or around Requeson Beach and his car was stolen and trailer left behind. When the family returns to San Diego, I will know more...

As for my Mexican relatives and friends in town, some are aware of the events, some are not so I can not really draw conclusions from here...

In any event, I know the young man whose grandfather has been murdered and all I can say is this type of crime is a tragedy which one family is dealing with now so I hope that all nomads will remember there is a family that's grieving. Thank you for your kind thoughts for them.

kellychapman - 11-15-2006 at 10:37 AM

this might sound a bit paranoid...however...it does not matter where I travel...or live for that matter that I do not always take my life or loved ones for granted....I always use great caution and care not to leave myself vulnerable...especially while I sleep. There are horrible crimes committed everywhere in the world......and Baja too is one of those places. Maybe it is just being a woman that has made me that way.....EVERYONE should use caution where
they travel and live...............It is 2006 I think where things are no longer as they were when times were different in the good ol' days..
...if you can find a place free of crime by all means post it....we just need to use our heads and not drink too much tequilla and think that nothing could happen. However if you look at the statistics you will see they are still very low in Baja....of course out of the congested areas.....as far as not being able to give us the scoop I have no idea why that would be a proplem or life threatening...but duhhhhhhh.......we seem to have been informed already. I say everyone keep traveling and loving our beautiful and welcoming BAJA...but be careful where you pass out.......keep yourself as safe as possible.....The majority of places are very safe......and the majority of Mexicans are peaceful and loving people........And where would they inform us...GRingo Gazette??? I did not know there was a local newspaper to keep us up on the crime's committed......or anything else for that matter???? :?:

The Sculpin - 11-15-2006 at 11:24 AM

OK - is it just me, or are others having a little difficulty reconciling this post with the "all mexicans are happy/oblivious" post? Maybe this is a perfect example of what that post refers to? Maybe the disbelief of some that the citizens of Mulege can not possibly not know what's going on in their own town is a further example of the ethnocentricity of "ahmurikans" (as Johnson used to say). And what's this "edit under duress" stuff form Bruce! Boy, does that add intrigue or what! Where's this stuff coming from - the Loreto Bay barrio?

Anyways......

Bajalero - 11-15-2006 at 12:22 PM

I find the "duress" reference greatly disturbing and I doubt its a game that bruce would do to us in light of the seriousness at hand. Someone is threatening bruce for his actions on this board.

Would some one in Mulege please find Bruce and make sure he is alright and u2 someone on the board .

It may be that instead of trying to cover his tracks he was leaving the only trail he knew how.

Hope your ok bruce and let this be a lesson to those of you who think anonomity and monikers are a bad idea.

FWIW , got an email today from an area resident /friend opining on what's going on in Mulege. It doesn't look good and everyone there needs to be on their toes.

losfrailes - 11-15-2006 at 12:52 PM

It is entirely possible for Bruce Leech to completely delete all post other than the original post on this thread. He chooses instead to leave this almost scare tactic out there.

If he feels threatened or he feels his family and his livelihood is threatened, he should just delete those subsequent posts.

Karyn Ivie - 11-15-2006 at 01:13 PM

Hi,
I am Bruce's Sister, and I just talked to Bruce. He wants to let everyone know that he is fine, and he will not be posting on this thread any more. He will be back elsewhere on the forum tomorrow.

jones - 11-15-2006 at 02:51 PM

Having read some of the original posters past posts, I would suggest caution. Most of his posts are half truths and exaggerations, or stupid, i.e. "Bring it on!" referring to hurricane John's approach to Baja Sur. I believe something did happen in Mulege, but we need a more reliable source to know the truth!

DENNIS - 11-15-2006 at 03:05 PM

OUCH -- Maybe a bad time for personal criticism, at least until we know what's going on. We all deserve clarification since the topic is safety, ours as well.

DENNIS - 11-15-2006 at 03:21 PM

Toneart ---
You sure have a good attitude for someone who just had a giant load of crap dropped on his head. I know we live and learn but that was a tough one.

Diver - 11-15-2006 at 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jones
Having read some of the original posters past posts, I would suggest caution. Most of his posts are half truths and exaggerations, or stupid, i.e. "Bring it on!" referring to hurricane John's approach to Baja Sur. I believe something did happen in Mulege, but we need a more reliable source to know the truth!

I would challenge you to prove any of your slander against Bruce. What you could possibly hope to achieve is beyond me??

I also, have gotten confirmation from 2 local sources that the murder did occur. I can understand Bruce's desire to warn us and his subsequent decision to remove his posts.
Actually sounds like maybe his family (sister etc) pressured him to protect himself. That wopuld seem like a very reasonable scenario to me.
His only potential error is that it may have been safer to forward the information to someone else to post.

.

QuePasaBaja - 11-15-2006 at 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Baja Bernie
Why have everyone igonred this statement by Bruce????"this post has been edited by Bruce R Leech under duress." Repeated several times!!!!

Does that not tell even the....oh crap.....of you that, perhaps he can not post as freely as he wishes.

I have to say that I almost laughed when I saw that. He gave me H E L L about a link on my site, that I REFUSED to remove. I said that it is censoring to do so. Now look what has happend here.

Sorry that this happened Bruce. I really am.

I would suggest

Sharksbaja - 11-15-2006 at 03:41 PM

that this thread die now. Trust me again.

Of course you won't because you can't. :no:

[Edited on 11-15-2006 by Sharksbaja]

Phil S - 11-15-2006 at 03:45 PM

Regarding robberies at Mulege, it's also happening in the Loreto Area. In fact, today I returned from Nomad 'jerry's property where I inspected his motorhome that had been entered, and absolutely trashed. Back in my insurance days, I had seen nothing this bad. Sorry Jerry for your unfortunate 'happening'. Your friend Don's motorhome also had been entered & noticed the overhead t.v. missing, and they removed the radio from the dash. It too was trashed, but had been cleaned up. Anything I can do to help Jerry, let me know. Loreto is growing up along with the other cities in Baja. Along comes the negative side of growth. Was at Rattlesnake Beach south of Puerto Escondido couple days ago. Campers informed me that recently, one of the campers was awakened, to a shotgun holder. Robbered of their money. Some time in the same week, a pickup was stolen from the same beach, and was loaded with the owners cash for the 'vacation', computers, etc. Not a nice thing to know is going on right now. But Baja Nomads will keep you informed.

DENNIS - 11-15-2006 at 03:48 PM

Well, you cant just pull the plug on it. Threads die when they die, all in their own time, probably when everybody gets tired of talking to themselves. Besides, nobody around follows suggestions anyway, unless they ask for them.
Where is Dr. Kevorkian when you need him?

comitan - 11-15-2006 at 03:54 PM

Bruce has forwarded that he is no longer posting on this thread, so why kick a dead horse!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Drop it..

lindsay - 11-15-2006 at 04:01 PM

I know that getting information from people that you do not know (for example, my posts on this topic) or getting part of the story can be frustrating and it can make people naturally question the accuracy or truth of that information.

All I can say is that amid the various speculation about the recent crimes, I have posted to inform others about what I know...at this point, I don't have the "whole story" about the murder/robbery that took place. The victim's grandson and his family are dealing with this tragedy and I do not feel it is my place to inquire at this time about all the details. I also do not feel it is my place to post this man's name out of respect for his family but most likely, at some point his story/obituary will be published in the SD newspaper.

So, amid all the information that we do not know at this point...let's also take a moment and remember the victim and his grieving family. Thanks...

Cuidate mucho to all who visit this board...

Hook - 11-15-2006 at 04:10 PM

Why should those of us that want to understand Mulege drop it? I have actively researched investing in the Mulege area for a few years. I'd like to know what's going on down there.

Just because Bruce started the thread and has chosen to bow out doesnt mean the subject is taboo. Others may have info. Bruce made a personal choice that I respect. But the story needs to be heard.

Boy, Toneart's experience at the police station is a classic case of trying to wait him out so long that he would just leave and not file a report.

Guess we know where NOT to go in Mulege in the event of a crime. Of course, that's JUST what they want..........

[Edited on 11-15-2006 by Hook]

comitan - 11-15-2006 at 04:19 PM

If you still want to enquire more start your own thread.

Just a suggestion.!

[Edited on 11-15-2006 by comitan]

Hook - 11-15-2006 at 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by comitan
If you still want to enquire more start your own thread.

Just a suggestion.!

[Edited on 11-15-2006 by comitan]

That's the other option I considered but it would seem that Lindsay might be the person to do this if he gets the details.

lindsay - 11-15-2006 at 08:12 PM

At this time, as I posted earlier, I don't have all the details from the family but if at some point, they want to share that information, I will try to do so in a way that respects their wishes.

very quite...

msawin - 11-15-2006 at 08:37 PM

Just a foot note on this topic..
I have been back in the states from Tripui for three weeks..
did not hear of any of this in that time frame. I am not trying to challange it in any way.. Just nothing heard..
My next door neighbor [baja] got back last night and had not heard of the Mulge problems....

He did not hear of the problems at Rattlesnake [400 yards away] either.....

What to do?

martin-o

jerry - 11-15-2006 at 10:41 PM

i dont have the details either but a lot of reports from non nomads non from nomads except my long time friend phil s

jerry - 11-15-2006 at 10:46 PM

looks like small potatoes

Russ - 11-16-2006 at 03:59 PM

Is the something different? http://www.race-dezert.com/forum/showthread.php?t=23477

BajaNomad - 11-16-2006 at 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Russ
Is the something different? http://www.race-dezert.com/forum/showthread.php?t=23477

I'm certain that is the same... and per the person's request in that thread I am posting it here as well:

-------------

I was informed by the US consulate in Tijuana Sunday night that my 73 year old father, Lloyd Duane Curtis, had been murdered. He was stabbed three times, his lung punctured, he drowned in his own blood, the fatal blow was so forceful that it also broke his ribs. All this to steal his Jeep, a crappy portable DVD/TV, and a portable battery charger/jumper box. This probably(?) happened sometime between Thursday and Saturday (9th-11th) of last week at Playa Armenta, south of Mulege. An American couple(?) discovered his body on Sunday and then the police remembered seeing the Jeep on Friday(?) in Custiad Constitution. The police have no suspects and the detective's investigation seems motivated by a desire to buy the Jeep from us. Naturally I am horrified by all this and their incompetence in general. They told me that an American citizen, Jim (or John?) Perry left a message on the US consulate hotline on Thursday or Friday reporting a lone trailer sitting on the beach and asked if the local police would investigate it. The police didn't so until Sunday after another American couple reported the death. My family and I are of the opinion that the police are lying about the time of death to hide their incompetence. The medical examiner told us "off the record" that the police were not telling the truth about this and that it most likely occurred 24hrs before the police were saying. When we arrived to claim the body and fill out paperwork the Santa Rosalia DA was "fishing" so we waited a few hours for him. And then he was most concerned about showing us that he was the bigshot in town and nothing happened without his ok. He even started talking back to me in Spanish after I questioned why it took them so long to find my father and that it appeared he had been dead for longer than they were saying. Their "investigation" consists of about 10 pictures and a coroner's report. And it seems like they feel that they won't find the killer so why even bother.

SO...

PLEASE look for this Jeep!!!

It is a WHITE 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4x4 4.7L V8, with tan leather and a sunroof.
The windows are slighty tinted (from the factory). It may be the Laredo model?
California License Plate # 5NRK826

It has a black roof rack that is easily visible and a large dent on the rear liftgate.
The radiator core support is also bent and you can see where it was cut off and welded back on.
It has also Bilstein shocks and a Rancho Steering Stabilizer.

If you see this Jeep please contact the local authorities.
Or call the Santa Rosalia DA Sergio Villareal (011 - 52) 615 - 153 - 0804
Or the U.S. Consulate's office in Tijuana (011 - 52) 664 - 622 - 7439

If you have other information and would like to contact me I can be reached at
951 - 587 - 3842
619 - 933 - 1396 cellphone
gtx510@gmail.com gtx510 @ gmail.com

Pages: 1 2 3