Mark & Olivia; Playa Buenaventura

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=3262706370304

Posted (approx): 8am (MST), February 8, 2012
by Mark Burbey




For over ten years we have had our property in dispute with a well known person from Tijuana named Rafael Munoz Martinez. We prevailed thru the courts, after many attempts for him to halt or stall the court process. Rafael Munoz has not been in the area knowingly for almost three years. locally, He has apprehension orders for him. Instead he uses thugs and I believe people of no scruples to work for him. Since the end of November 2011 police came and removed these people from this property by court order.

This last Sunday the 5th at 8 pm two vehicles entered our property shooting off weapons. Later my wife Olivia(Mexican) confronted these persons by our little bridge and was assaulted. I took pictures handed the camera to another American tourist. Grabbed Olivia from the dirt and told them to get away and to go to the other side of the bridge. While they were going back a man fired a shotgun between us causing the American tourist and Olivia to go through the railing of the bridge and into the water landing on their sides. I had a can of bear pepper spray which I spayed onto the man with the shotgun. He started shooting wildly and 4-5 shots more happened. Two on each side of my head. I crossed the bridge and helped Olivia and The American tourist out of the water and we returned to our beach restaurant. I then had Olivia and our cook accompany the tourist to another beach for safety. I went to Mulege and got the Ministero Publico(local state police) and gave them money for gas as they said they needed to come to Buenaventura immediately. After visiting the local Marines I returned to our beach and The Ministero Publico were talking to the shooting man. I identified him as the shooter, but the police just told me to leave. They (M.P.) told me to go back to the restaurant. I did. When they came by truck the two police told me that I would need to go to Mulege tomorrow and make a report. I told them this was a joke and something needed to be done now. They in turned told me I did not respect them and they were leaving. I said people's lives were almost lost and you are leaving? I asked for their names because I was going to make a report and they refused, saying I would have to get them in Mulege. Jim Christopher, U.S. Consulate of Mulege came here claiming the officers were upset that I said I did not trust them and I was to make an apology. This seems to be of much more importance that people being nearly killed and protecting us. I have apologized in person to these two, but will also do so in writing when it is possible. Through out the night shots could be heard. Maybe around 25 shots I counted.

It is now the morning of day four. Gunshots are sporadic. I think done to try and scare us. Our entrances have been blocked with boulders and ropes tied across all ways coming and going. These guys are walking around with illegal firearms and threaten us whenever we go near our road out. We are awaiting the help from the Mexican government. We are not afraid. We just want the Government to assume responsibility and do something. Unreal.....Thought I would never agree with this but, DO NOT COME TO MEXICO

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=3251066399312

Posted Monday (approx 6pm MST), Feb 6, 2012
by Mark Burbey





Photo of one of my enemies thugs threatening me with his gun!

Remember the "Once in a Lifetime" song?
Sometimes I feel it.
And you may find yourself living in a shotgun shack
And you may find yourself in another part of the world
And you may find yourself behind the wheel of a large automobile
And you may find yourself in a beautiful house, with a beautiful wife
And you may ask yourself-Well...How did I get here?

Gawd D.?






[Edited on 2-9-2012 by BajaNews]

Here's latest post from Mark in case you are not reading his Facebook page.

2/8 @7:30pm

Yesterday, Monday(day 2) men were walking across our estuary with pistols and rifles. Continually challenging us. We made attempts to have the police come and help us get our papers and important items from our house. The police sent me emails that they were going to report me to immigration. Two shots were fired over two Canadian tourists as they left our driveway. Jim Christopher, U.S. Consulate of Mulege came here claiming the officers were upset and that I said I did not trust them and I was to make an apology. This seems to be of much more importance that people being nearly killed and protecting us. I have apologized in person to these two, but will also do so in writing when it is possible. About 6PM fires were made on the other beach with tires and materials. Our house was broken into and through binoculars I could see people taking our belongings out and burning them on the fire. After many attempts to get the police here to help they did show at 9 PM. They told me to not get too excited. I told them I would try and not get excited. The police made a drive through on the other side with a spotlight and returned. They did ask about our house and they said they were burning trash. Nothing was done, nothing. All through the day gunshots were heard and I reported them by emails as they happened. Olivia did go to Mulege and to make the report as requested. When she arrived she was informed that they were closed because it was a holiday and she will need to return on Tuesday.

Today (Tuesday) 9:30AM Olivia went in person to the Mulege police. Olivia was very afraid to leave because of having these men pacing back and forth in front. I am staying here by myself. At 10 am this morning two persons one with a shotgun constructed a barrier out by the highway consisting of rocks and boulders. Ropes have been tied at all angles to prevent anyone from entering or leaving. Earlier the man with the shotgun was threatening to walk over yelling things I could not understand from here. These people causing this turmoil I believe are not from this area or state. All sales trucks/persons and customers trying to enter our restaurant and land are turned away by armed thugs. We have awaited all day for some kind of assistance. None has come. I've been emailing continuously to top officials for urgent help. When Olivia returned from Mulege she was accompanied by the police. They came to make a report on our house robbery. They were denied any entry. The police told her she could not go thru and that if she wanted to go to our business she would have to go clime down the mountain. She did! On her butt!

We are essentially held captive at the moment with men patrolling outside with guns.
If I have to I will defend myself with full force.

It is now the Wednesday, morning of day four. Gunshots are sporadic. I think done to try and scare us. Driving fast and opening doors of the vehicles showing us their guns. Our entrances have been blocked with boulders and ropes tied across all ways coming and going. These guys are walking around with illegal firearms and threaten us whenever we go near our road out. We are awaiting the help from the Mexican government.
It is the morning of Wed. Feb. 8 and we have no assistance in this matter. Our cook Bertha came by bus(we tried to have her notified not to come) she was forced out at gunpoint. Bertha is a simple person raised 6 children on her own and does not read or write, but works hard.
Two officials showed up tonight at 7 pm. The wanted to know if we wanted to leave and we declined. They promise service fast! I'm so relieved haha
Today the Munoz crew were walking by our restaurant at about 20 yards. Of course they think they are macho men.
Thanks to all our friends who have known what we have endured. Munoz people are now living in our house using my generator for power etc. etc. I'm sure all our belongings are gone. Wish I would have scanned my kids pictures.

I do believe these people are drug related. For some reason they want our place.
We are not afraid. We just want the Government to assume responsibility and do something. Unreal.....

[Edited on 2-9-2012 by MexicoTed]

Quote:

Originally posted by MexicoTed Here's latest post from Mark in case you are not reading his Facebook page. 2/8 @7:30pm Yesterday, Monday(day 2) men were walking across our estuary with pistols and rifles. Continually challenging us. We made attempts to have the police come and help us get our papers and important items from our house. The police sent me emails that they were going to report me to immigration. Two shots were fired over two Canadian tourists as they left our driveway. Jim Christopher, U.S. Consulate of Mulege came here claiming the officers were upset and that I said I did not trust them and I was to make an apology. This seems to be of much more importance that people being nearly killed and protecting us. I have apologized in person to these two, but will also do so in writing when it is possible. About 6PM fires were made on the other beach with tires and materials. Our house was broken into and through binoculars I could see people taking our belongings out and burning them on the fire. After many attempts to get the police here to help they did show at 9 PM. They told me to not get too excited. I told them I would try and not get excited. The police made a drive through on the other side with a spotlight and returned. They did ask about our house and they said they were burning trash. Nothing was done, nothing. All through the day gunshots were heard and I reported them by emails as they happened. Olivia did go to Mulege and to make the report as requested. When she arrived she was informed that they were closed because it was a holiday and she will need to return on Tuesday. Today (Tuesday) 9:30AM Olivia went in person to the Mulege police. Olivia was very afraid to leave because of having these men pacing back and forth in front. I am staying here by myself. At 10 am this morning two persons one with a shotgun constructed a barrier out by the highway consisting of rocks and boulders. Ropes have been tied at all angles to prevent anyone from entering or leaving. Earlier the man with the shotgun was threatening to walk over yelling things I could not understand from here. These people causing this turmoil I believe are not from this area or state. All sales trucks/persons and customers trying to enter our restaurant and land are turned away by armed thugs. We have awaited all day for some kind of assistance. None has come. I've been emailing continuously to top officials for urgent help. When Olivia returned from Mulege she was accompanied by the police. They came to make a report on our house robbery. They were denied any entry. The police told her she could not go thru and that if she wanted to go to our business she would have to go clime down the mountain. She did! On her butt! We are essentially held captive at the moment with men patrolling outside with guns. If I have to I will defend myself with full force. It is now the Wednesday, morning of day four. Gunshots are sporadic. I think done to try and scare us. Driving fast and opening doors of the vehicles showing us their guns. Our entrances have been blocked with boulders and ropes tied across all ways coming and going. These guys are walking around with illegal firearms and threaten us whenever we go near our road out. We are awaiting the help from the Mexican government. It is the morning of Wed. Feb. 8 and we have no assistance in this matter. Our cook Bertha came by bus(we tried to have her notified not to come) she was forced out at gunpoint. Bertha is a simple person raised 6 children on her own and does not read or write, but works hard. Two officials showed up tonight at 7 pm. The wanted to know if we wanted to leave and we declined. They promise service fast! I'm so relieved haha Today the Munoz crew were walking by our restaurant at about 20 yards. Of course they think they are macho men. Thanks to all our friends who have known what we have endured. Munoz people are now living in our house using my generator for power etc. etc. I'm sure all our belongings are gone. Wish I would have scanned my kids pictures. I do believe these people are drug related. For some reason they want our place. We are not afraid. We just want the Government to assume responsibility and do something. Unreal..... [Edited on 2-9-2012 by MexicoTed]

????

Google Map

40km south of Mulege



[Edited on 2-9-2012 by tripledigitken]

GUNS???----WTF------If these guys are carrying in daylight, they must have some serious juice. No????

Quote:

Originally posted by watizname GUNS???----WTF------If these guys are carrying in daylight, they must have some serious juice. No????

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS Quote: Originally posted by watizname GUNS???----WTF------If these guys are carrying in daylight, they must have some serious juice. No???? You bet. Where is Ramuma these days?

I'm on bar time. What about you?

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS Quote: Originally posted by Woooosh what time are you guys on? It's only 12:21 as I type this... I'm on bar time. What about you?

yup, 20 minutes fast. I actually have a whole day to kill... my time

Duh!!!! Must be east coast bar time!!!

Thanks for the correction!!!!

Woooosh! I'm afraid that it is heading that way not just in Baja but every where. That we must stand up for what we believe, even if we stand alone. But as we have seen in many past cases Nomads stand together, proud and tall. (Well except for me since I appear to be shrinking as I get older )

Baja will not become a better place by us or others walking away.

Ohhh pleeeeze. Do you still see virtue in these guys? You can't. Tell me you don't. Please tell you don't.

Yep, they're "different" corrupt cops than you see elsewhere in Mexico.

Quote:

Originally posted by Diver Quote: Originally posted by gallesram I had always been told by the locals that Mulege police weren't the same corrupt cops that you see elsewhere in Mexico. Yep, they're "different" corrupt cops than you see elsewhere in Mexico.

I would certainly stop giving them free donuts!