BajaNomad - ALERT! Mary Ann Humfreville is MISSING (L.A. Bay area)

Did she have health issues?

Was she a desert explorer or pretty much a homebody?

No health issues that I have heard about, not much of a desert explorer very much a homebody. She goes to Train on tuesdays, lunch or cards with friends and saturday breakfast at Alejandrinas. She would not leave without letting someone know and would not leave for long without her loyal pets.

advrider - 12-19-2020 at 11:01 AM

Hope everything turns out good, very sad to read. I have read and reread their book several times over the years. Although I didn't know it until now I met Mary and a group of her friends several years ago in BOLA while having breakfast. I spent the whole time talking with them and felt like we were old friends by the time I left. What a wonderful person and a pray all turns out good.

David K - 12-19-2020 at 11:18 AM

Quote: Originally posted by advrider

Hope everything turns out good, very sad to read. I have read and reread their book several times over the years. Although I didn't know it until now I met Mary and a group of her friends several years ago in BOLA while having breakfast. I spent the whole time talking with them and felt like we were old friends by the time I left. What a wonderful person and a pray all turns out good.

That was so lucky to have shared the time.
Mary Ann and Mike met each other, as I recall, at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena. They helped get our spacecraft to Mars.

Bob H - 12-19-2020 at 04:59 PM

Quote: Originally posted by advrider

That was so lucky to have shared the time.
Mary Ann and Mike met each other, as I recall, at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena. They helped get our spacecraft to Mars.

Bob H - 12-19-2020 at 05:01 PM

That's interesting. I never really knew how they met. Wonderful people!

Praying that Mary Ann is OK !!

[Edited on 12-20-2020 by Bob H]

Paulina - 12-19-2020 at 05:20 PM

Nothing new to update. I’m sure we are all keeping Mary Ann in our prayers, thoughts, heart, mind, sending out the vibes or what works for you.

P>*)))>{

dboyd3852 - 12-19-2020 at 06:18 PM

Thank you again, Paulina, for the updates. You are a true friend of Mary Ann's.

dboyd3852 - 12-19-2020 at 07:24 PM

There is a video on Talk Baja from the Consul General in Tijuana about new travel restrictions to Mexico because of COVID. She also is asking that any US citizens who can, come back to the US because there will be no healthcare because the Mexican hospitals are full and they're turning away people. If I can link it, I will. Plus Kevin has contacted his local police department to put in a missing persons for Mary Ann with an international missing persons agency. That should trigger contacting the US Government. We ARE going to find her!

dboyd3852 - 12-19-2020 at 07:47 PM

The video from the Consul General was from April 4. So not new news. And the Peninsula BC in San Quintin has put a missing persons notice for Mary Ann!

mtgoat666 - 12-19-2020 at 08:27 PM

Has an organized search begun locally in BOLA?
On TB a post says she may have been “taken,” what is the reasoning behind that?

advrider - 12-19-2020 at 08:30 PM

I believe that was what it said in the book about how they met. Such a cool story about Baja in the old days and how cool it was for their kids to have had the opportunity to spend time in Baja.

Skipjack Joe - 12-19-2020 at 09:13 PM

Finding the red truck should be very doable I would think.

Paulina - 12-20-2020 at 12:41 PM

Has an organized search begun locally in BOLA?
On TB a post says she may have been “taken,” what is the reasoning behind that?

I would like to take liberties to thank everyone concerned. There is a formal investigation in the works. With that said, not all information collected is shared with us or can be publically posted. I'm sure that some of you may have seen a dectective tv show in your life and can understand that reality. Sorry for the snark, but we ALL want Mary Ann back and doing our damnest to remain positive.

Thank you,
P>*)))>{

David K - 12-20-2020 at 01:32 PM

Thank you, Paulina.

Ken Cooke - 12-20-2020 at 01:40 PM

Has an organized search begun locally in BOLA?
On TB a post says she may have been “taken,” what is the reasoning behind that?

Looking at news reports from local media, it looks like local law enforcement is actively involved. Thanks to local news media, the general public will be more likely to notice this red pickup on the streets throughout the peninsula.

Dan Diego - 12-20-2020 at 04:52 PM

On TB a post says she may have been “taken,” what is the reasoning behind that?

Another site said her place had been ransacked. Unsure how accurate that statement was.

BajaBlanca - 12-20-2020 at 06:45 PM

Thanks Paulina and please come home Mary Ann.

cactuspete1970 - 12-21-2020 at 05:00 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Dan Diego

On TB a post says she may have been “taken,” what is the reasoning behind that?

Another site said her place had been ransacked. Unsure how accurate that statement was.

name the other site.

BajaNomad - 12-22-2020 at 06:38 PM

Still monitoring.

Bump!

David K - 12-22-2020 at 08:40 PM

Nothing new to report, from her son today.

mtgoat666 - 12-22-2020 at 08:46 PM

Radio silence from searchers, no chatter about search parties, makes me think it was an abduction?
Are people still searching?

BajaBlanca - 12-23-2020 at 04:26 AM

In ongoing investigations, at least this was the case when Ian went missing, the authorities/family prefer silence so as not to have interference.

That being said, this is very sad, so very, very sad.

mtgoat666 - 12-23-2020 at 07:19 AM

Quote: Originally posted by BajaGringo

Quote: Originally posted by Paulina

I approved your post on Denuncia Ciudadana San Quintin. Will try to keep the post up at the top there and on Talk Baja...

Post about disappearance never got “pinned” to top of TB page....
It won’t stay at top of TB page until you pin it.

David K - 12-23-2020 at 11:27 AM

Mary Ann and Mike Humfreville in October 2000

fandango - 12-24-2020 at 09:03 PM

I look several times a day for any update.
I wish Maryann was safely home.

Posted by Kevin Humfreville on Facebook

David K - 12-25-2020 at 09:11 AM

dboyd3852 - 12-26-2020 at 10:16 AM

I was able to get an article about Mary Ann's disappearance in the Mexico News Daily but I don't know how to post it here. Can someone help me?

dboyd3852 - 12-26-2020 at 10:18 AM

Try this link for the article about Mary Ann:

https://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/baja-california-woman-has-b...

Mary Ann, Mike and the boys, in the 1980s

David K - 12-26-2020 at 10:40 AM

From the boys' uncle, Tony:

thebajarunner - 12-26-2020 at 12:54 PM

My heart goes out to Mary Ann's family and friends
I never met her, or Mike but did read some of his writings and admired their adventuresome spirit.

There is something deeply wrong in the LA Bay environment.
This is not the first, nor likely the last, of strange and terrible events in this tiny village.

There was the murder a couple years ago.... My sketchy memory says it was all about a boat or something, not sure

Raquel, a prominent owner of a popular beach resort, murdered in Catavina en route to Ensenada about ten years ago.

Now this??? What in the wide wide world is going on down there?

I have been to LABay every year for the past 25 years, love the place, but now wondering if it is safe or prudent to go there.

This per capita rate of violence makes Chicago look like a playground.

JZ - 12-26-2020 at 01:38 PM

My heart goes out to Mary Ann's family and friends
I never met her, or Mike but did read some of his writings and admired their adventuresome spirit.

There is something deeply wrong in the LA Bay environment.
This is not the first, nor likely the last, of strange and terrible events in this tiny village.

There was the murder a couple years ago.... My sketchy memory says it was all about a boat or something, not sure

Raquel, a prominent owner of a popular beach resort, murdered in Catavina en route to Ensenada about ten years ago.

Now this??? What in the wide wide world is going on down there?

I have been to LABay every year for the past 25 years, love the place, but now wondering if it is safe or prudent to go there.

This per capita rate of violence makes Chicago look like a playground.

That's a bit of an exaggeration. One event was 10 years ago and happened 100 miles away from BoLA.

Let's see what happens here.

Don Pisto - 12-26-2020 at 01:48 PM

That's a bit of an exaggeration. One event was 10 years ago and happened 100 miles away from BoLA.

Let's see what happens here.

Jo Ann Butler and Ray Ball shot dead june 2018.......what really makes this disturbing is the san felipe lady that vanished from a hike last year, geeze these are defenseless old ladies :no:

mtgoat666 - 12-26-2020 at 02:05 PM

That's a bit of an exaggeration. One event was 10 years ago and happened 100 miles away from BoLA.

Let's see what happens here.

Jo Ann Butler and Ray Ball shot dead june 2018.......what really makes this disturbing is the san felipe lady that vanished from a hike last year, geeze these are defenseless old ladies :no:

Also in 2018, Charles Crabtree murdered at BOLA.

Violence, robbery and theft is not uncommon in many rural areas due to societal decay, meth addiction, etc.

David K - 12-26-2020 at 02:13 PM

That's a bit of an exaggeration. One event was 10 years ago and happened 100 miles away from BoLA.

Let's see what happens here.

Raquel was co-owner of Raquel & Larry's on Bahía de los Angeles, a motel and restaurant. I believe she was killed by an angry employee who knew she was on a run to deposit funds at the bank in San Quintín.

Don Pisto - 12-27-2020 at 01:12 PM

you are correct there's some sketchy chit going on out there

some thoughts from 15 years ago......

Sept. 1, 2006, Name withheld by request, Bahia de los Angeles, Baja California, Mexico:

Regarding the articles involving the murder of Raquel Fife or the shooting in Baja, I have a little information that might be of interest.

In July, I went to Bahia de los Angeles for a week. While at the gas station, a new model black Ford Expedition pulled up. A hispanic male with a shaved head and gang tattoos got out and gassed up. This guy had tattoos from head to toe. As a law enforcement officer in California, I recognized the tattoos to in fact be gang prison tattoos from the Los Angeles region rather than decorative ink.

The guy was about 30 years old and appeared to be under the influence of methamphetamine. I have been going to Bahia de los Angeles for long enough to know that this guy did not belong.

As responsible people, we don't like to make assumptions. However, based on my training and experience, I would bet my paycheck this guy was in the area for the purpose of narcotics transportation.

I have heard that meth labs are beginning to pop up in the Bahia de los Angeles (L.A. Bay) region of Baja. It is really a perfect place for this because of the desolation, lack of law enforcement and easy transportation by land, air or sea.

When drug dealers start to infiltrate a small fishing village like Bahia de los Angeles, ruthless and previously unheard of crimes, like the robbery and killing of L.A. Bay's beloved Raquel, start to occur.

I hope and pray that this little fishing village does not fall victim to the destructive terror of drug related crime.

JZ - 12-27-2020 at 01:30 PM

you are correct there's some sketchy chit going on out there

And 15 years later, none of the prophecy from this 3rd hand story (made up?) has happened.

[Edited on 12-27-2020 by JZ]

Skipjack Joe - 12-27-2020 at 01:53 PM

There was the murder a couple years ago.... My sketchy memory says it was all about a boat or something, not sure

That murderer was apprehended and I believe was shot dead by the police or has life in prison. Can't remember.

CaboMagic - 12-27-2020 at 04:18 PM

Sadness beyond words .. LG

Barry A. - 12-27-2020 at 05:46 PM

you are correct there's some sketchy chit going on out there

And 15 years later, none of the prophecy from this 3rd hand story (made up?) has happened.

[Edited on 12-27-2020 by JZ]

----so, Don Pisto's prayers must have worked.

Don Pisto - 12-27-2020 at 06:14 PM

okay okay I did a poor confusing job relating this story that I had saved from mexfish some time ago https://www.mexfish.com/bola/bola2006/bola060904b/bola060904... it was a reply to bajarunner about his questioning of what the heck is happening out in BoLA and Raquel and how things started going sideways years ago.
believe it don't believe I don't really care, we're all just hoping for best for Mary Ann.

JZ - 12-27-2020 at 08:57 PM

All good.

dboyd3852 - 12-28-2020 at 10:05 AM

Gotta keep the faith for Mary Ann and hope the authorities will do something whatever happened. I know for me (and I LOVE BOLA) we won't be going there and haven't since the double murder in 2018 as something bad is going on down there and we don't feel safe. One culprit was arrested in those murders but the other suspects are out there and with COVID going on who knows if anything is being done. We have to hope both that and Mary Ann's disappearance are being investigated to the fullest. Here is a link to an article that appeared in the Los Angeles Times about missing Americans in Mexico that gives an interesting point of view.

https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-10-25/american...

[Edited on 12-28-2020 by dboyd3852]

BajaTed - 12-28-2020 at 10:56 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Barry A.

you are correct there's some sketchy chit going on out there

And 15 years later, none of the prophecy from this 3rd hand story (made up?) has happened.

[Edited on 12-27-2020 by JZ]

----so, Don Pisto's prayers must have worked.

NO
2 years ago, the cartel leadership chain stepped in and mitigated a business risk to their operations. They said don't let it happen again.
And it hasn't.

The BofLA folks need to scream for some military presence that the Cartels don't like around. When the Arrellano cartel was doing the same in TJ in the early 2000's the military put in an Army base until the Cartel backed off.
I remember well the mutilated soldier torso's hanging from the bridge @ the Otay cutoff from the old TJ free road.
Rich TJ folks paid the Army General's to come take care of business and have poor soldiers die, not them.

DianaT - 12-28-2020 at 08:20 PM

Has there been any update at all about the disappearance of Mary Ann? We are still hoping for a positive outcome.

Paulina - 12-28-2020 at 11:31 PM

Quote: Originally posted by DianaT

Has there been any update at all about the disappearance of Mary Ann? We are still hoping for a positive outcome.

The investigation is ongoing.

P>*)))>{

BajaBlanca - 12-29-2020 at 08:16 AM

This thread has me heartbroken. She has been in my prayers.

Skipjack Joe - 12-29-2020 at 11:34 AM

I just keep thinking - what possible value could a 74 year old retiree have been to anyone? This is so senseless.

David K - 12-29-2020 at 01:50 PM

Exactly, she couldn't hurt a flea. Mary Ann spent quiet days reading paperbacks and looking out to the islands in the bay. So very sad. I have heard no updates from her son. The investigation continues.

Her home (2005 photo) with Mike and Mary Ann out front:

10-22-05 048.jpg - 57kB

[Edited on 12-29-2020 by David K]

BornFisher - 12-29-2020 at 01:57 PM

If foul play, she was probably a witness.
Maybe those who took her truck (if that is the case), didn`t want a witness.

redmesa - 12-29-2020 at 02:35 PM

I have not been an active person on this forum for sometime. My husband died 7 years ago and 2+ years ago I sold my property in Bahia Asuncion. Being an older woman traveling and living alone in Baja became a worry for me, even in the tranquil village of Bahia Asuncion there were sketchy folks coming and going and drug use was apparent. I am by nature an adventurer and an independent woman but whatever has happened to Mary Ann was what kept me awake at night. The unknown is so troubling. Was a 22 year old ford pickup the catalyst for this disappearance? If so, then there is a strong reason for everyone to be troubled about their safety. I so hope this is resolved soon with the best of results but it is a cautionary note for women living and traveling alone.

dboyd3852 - 12-29-2020 at 03:05 PM

My sentiments exactly but she always felt safe there and EVERYONE in BOLA knew her so we thought she would be okay. It's VERY sad if BOLA has fallen that far that this could happen to someone that only had a 20+ year old truck as the catalyst (as you said) and was a quiet retiree enjoying her time in the solitude. I am hoping the authorities are REALLY taking notice and not only solving this mystery but getting this beautiful little haven back to it's glory so Americans and others will come there AND feel safe. Because right now me and my friends who use to go there all the time don't even feel safe to go there to help with the search let alone for a vacation. REALLY, REALLY disturbing and devastating!

JZ - 12-29-2020 at 03:24 PM

We should avoid jumping to conclusions.

Mother of Dragons - 12-29-2020 at 03:29 PM

Quote: Originally posted by BajaBlanca

This thread has me heartbroken. She has been in my prayers.

Beyond heartbroken.
Making me rethink traveling alone.

David K - 12-29-2020 at 05:21 PM

Just to make sure everyone understands, Mary Ann was a full-time resident and not a 'traveler' beyond the couple times a year (I believe) she went north to see family or get supplies.

Both she and Mike were very involved in our early get-togethers providing enthusiasm and support. Mike was a prolific contributor here on Baja Nomad as well as Amigos de Baja, before it.
Mike's stories are hosted here (2002 to 2006): https://math.ucr.edu/~ftm/bajaPages/Correspondents/BajaWithM...
Several of them formed his 2006 book, published by Sunbelt, In the Shadow of the Volcano.

Mike suffered a massive heart attack in L.A. Bay (Nov. 2006) not much more than a year after they bought their home (it seems, Paulina can correct me on this). Mary Ann tried to get air-evac to fly him out, but to no avail. She drove him to San Quintín, for the hospital. Mike didn't make it and she brought him back to be buried in the little cemetery in L.A. Bay.

Just a few days later, we were in L.A. Bay and visited Mike:

This is my favorite photo of him, examining it like he must have examined his mars lander work for the JPL...

I hope Mary Ann is found... Keep an eye out for her, amigos in Baja.

[Edited on 12-30-2020 by David K]

24baja - 12-30-2020 at 12:06 PM

This is what I know, speculation is usually wrong and troubles those of us who know and love the missing or the victimized, it is best kept to yourself. Keeping Mary Ann, her close and extended family in my thoughts and Prayers many times a day. I love you my dear friend!

shari - 12-30-2020 at 12:14 PM

It is a troubling, senseless disappearance and the investigation seems to be being kept very very quiet. Of course we all are hoping for a positive outcome.

But I want to address the idea of single women being in more danger. I think that even a couple or man may find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time. Meth is certainly the cause of many crimes and they dont care what sex, age, race or financial standing you have. If you are a witness, or resist a robbery you can become collateral damage.

Bad things and people are everywhere...the world is a dangerous place period. Being vigilant, smart, careful, have cameras & dogs etc all might help keep you safe but there are random acts that no one can avoid.

I wont live in fear and try to be positive, careful & wrap myself in protective light but know that things can go sideways at any time.

MaryAnne...I hope whatever happened you are in a good place.

KurtG - 12-30-2020 at 01:07 PM

Quote: Originally posted by shari

It is a troubling, senseless disappearance and the investigation seems to be being kept very very quiet. Of course we all are hoping for a positive outcome.

But I want to address the idea of single women being in more danger. I think that even a couple or man may find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time. Meth is certainly the cause of many crimes and they dont care what sex, age, race or financial standing you have. If you are a witness, or resist a robbery you can become collateral damage.

Bad things and people are everywhere...the world is a dangerous place period. Being vigilant, smart, careful, have cameras & dogs etc all might help keep you safe but there are random acts that no one can avoid.

I wont live in fear and try to be positive, careful & wrap myself in protective light but know that things can go sideways at any time.

MaryAnne...I hope whatever happened you are in a good place.

Shari,
I agree with everything you said. Traveling and camping both in Baja and in the US I have always exercised caution about my surroundings but even more so now that I am in my latter 70's. Things can go sideways and life can change in an instant but like you I'm going to push on and do the things that make life worthwhile. This has been the only year since 1974 that I haven't been in Baja but you will see me again in 2021.

Wishing you and Juan a Happy New Year!
Kurt & Kathy

dboyd3852 - 12-31-2020 at 06:20 PM

Happy New Years to the Baja Nomad bloggers. Hope 2021 brings much more happiness and joy than 2020. Glad to see this year end! And of course hoping for Mary Ann to be found and brought home. Love you, dear friend!

Skipjack Joe - 1-1-2021 at 02:20 PM

Quote: Originally posted by motoged

We should avoid jumping to conclusions.

Isn't that jumping to a conclusion ???

Really. And who is jumping to conclusions? We're just brainstorming.

Ken Cooke - 1-1-2021 at 03:29 PM

Any laughter on this thread is completely out of place.

24baja - 1-1-2021 at 08:35 PM

You know people who laugh at this need to remove themselves from this thread. This is a serious situation and I for one am devistated that my dear friend is missing. Show some respect skipjack joe or go to one of your off color threads and go at it, but please leave your *hit remarks somewhere else.

BeemerDan - 1-1-2021 at 08:38 PM

Quote: Originally posted by motoged

We should avoid jumping to conclusions.

Isn't that jumping to a conclusion ???

I'm really saddened that you would use this thread to your own advantage in your personal beef with JZ, Mary Ann is one of the sweetest people I know, I first met her at the Tienda southend of town 10yrs ago while trying to convert dollars to peso<math is hard for me<

I also really enjoyed reading your ride reports.
Over the past few yrs though you've become a caustic persona here on BN.
Why is that?
Happy New Year Ged

Skipjack Joe - 1-1-2021 at 10:29 PM

You know people who laugh at this need to remove themselves from this thread. This is a serious situation and I for one am devistated that my dear friend is missing. Show some respect skipjack joe or go to one of your off color threads and go at it, but please leave your *hit remarks somewhere else.

What the hell are you talking about? Please reread my comments. You're way off the mark and out of line.

24baja - 1-2-2021 at 06:49 PM

What the hell are you talking about? Please reread my comments. You're way off the mark and out of line.

My deepest apologies Skipjack joe , I mis read the quotes. For some reason I read it as you and it should have been directed at Motoged and jz.

Skipjack Joe - 1-2-2021 at 07:47 PM

What the hell are you talking about? Please reread my comments. You're way off the mark and out of line.

My deepest apologies Skipjack joe , I mis read the quotes. For some reason I read it as you and it should have been directed at Motoged and jz.

I overreacted as well. Shouldn't be so sensitive to criticism.

Enrique2012 - 1-2-2021 at 07:47 PM

Motoged has (inadvertently I'm guessing) caused many of us to ask -

Why Maryann? Why not Motoged?

Skipjack Joe - 1-2-2021 at 09:14 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Enrique2012

Motoged has (inadvertently I'm guessing) caused many of us to ask -

Why Maryann? Why not Motoged?

Wow. This thread is rapidly going downhill. Perhaps Doug should judiciously start to remove comments. This thread is too important.

pacificobob - 1-3-2021 at 11:00 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Enrique2012

Motoged has (inadvertently I'm guessing) caused many of us to ask -

Why Maryann? Why not Motoged?

enrique, what a thing to say. i have decided to charitably interpret your comment as a clumsy attempt at humor.

4baja - 1-3-2021 at 01:59 PM

the murderer was killed by the military up by marmol

There was the murder a couple years ago.... My sketchy memory says it was all about a boat or something, not sure

That murderer was apprehended and I believe was shot dead by the police or has life in prison. Can't remember.

advrider - 1-8-2021 at 07:12 AM

Still no news on the search?

JZ - 1-8-2021 at 10:50 AM

Wow, that really bad.

David K - 1-8-2021 at 03:19 PM

Just chatted with her son. There is nothing new.
Federal police have been interviewing people in town but nobody will say a thing.
I sure hope she did not suffer... Mary Ann was a lovely person and wouldn't hurt a fly!

larryC - 1-9-2021 at 08:55 AM

"nobody in town will say a thing" What makes you think anybody in town knows anything to say? This incident happened 4 miles south of town between 11 pm and 7 am so unlikely anyone saw anything to be able to say anything.

David K - 1-9-2021 at 09:05 AM

Hi Larry,
Thanks for your input!

I am simply relaying what her son tells me and it seems that the Federal Police think people in town know who did this? But, even if the locals don't, why the silence treatment to investigators. Perhaps it is cultural?

Your time estimate of the event is news to me. How did you get that?

That a harmless, single, older woman would be killed for her truck is such a distressing thing. All of you who live there are in danger if lawlessness is allowed to go unchecked. It was just two years ago that the old couple were killed for a boat, was it not?

advrider - 1-9-2021 at 09:50 AM

Crazy times, not sure if it's meth, the economy or both that seem to be the cause to a rise in violent crime in Baja? BOLA is one of the places we really love to camp but these last few crimes make me rethink travel in the area in the near future.
La Gringa is top on the list but if people are being taken from and killed in their homes I'm not sure camping would be any better? Sad, I'm really missing Baja and have been waiting to get back to BOLA, just not sure.
I was really hoping she just broke down, ran out of gas or something of the sort but as time passes that seems less likely.

mtgoat666 - 1-9-2021 at 10:04 AM

Quote: Originally posted by advrider

Crazy times, not sure if it's meth, the economy or both that seem to be the cause to a rise in violent crime in Baja?

Causes are:
Decay of society, family structure and morality
Lack of economic opportunity
Drugs
Weak government

BajaTed - 1-9-2021 at 10:50 AM

Hi Larry,
it seems that the Federal Police think people in town know who did this? But, even if the locals don't, why the silence treatment to investigators. Perhaps it is cultural?

You bet its cultural and this type of citizenry behavior implies that a Cartel type person or group was associated to the event in some way, shape or form.
Cops ask the questions and they ALL know what Cartel will do if they talk.
Cops beg with their eyes for you to shut up and deal with it through some other legal entity other than with them.
The silver or lead Cartel hammer is a tough equation to deal with. Only recourse is for complete family to disappear to somewhere, which is impossible for most.

David K - 1-9-2021 at 11:04 AM

Thanks Ted!

AKgringo - 1-9-2021 at 11:19 AM

I suspect that the cartels would not want to attract unnecessary attention to their criminal activities by messing with ex-pats who are neither customers, or rivals.

My worry is about the want-to-be narcos that wash out of the cartels! They are unlikely to look for work in agriculture, retail, or any other legitimate business after living in gangland.

Cancamo - 1-9-2021 at 12:02 PM

Unfortunately meth production and distribution is present throughout the peninsula. Some of the most remote areas are used for production, and even the smallest communities and towns now have gangs/cartels in charge.
If you speak to the local folk, they will tell you the police are controlled by these same forces.
It's everywhere now.

larryC - 1-9-2021 at 03:41 PM

Hi Larry,
Thanks for your input!

I am simply relaying what her son tells me and it seems that the Federal Police think people in town know who did this? But, even if the locals don't, why the silence treatment to investigators. Perhaps it is cultural?

Your time estimate of the event is news to me. How did you get that?

That a harmless, single, older woman would be killed for her truck is such a distressing thing. All of you who live there are in danger if lawlessness is allowed to go unchecked. It was just two years ago that the old couple were killed for a boat, was it not?

The time of her disappearance is known to me because I am her next door neighbor. I saw her lights and TV on when I went to bed at 10pm Wed night and when I left to go on a utv ride the next morning at 7:30 her truck was gone. I didn't hear or see anything during the night so have no idea what happened. I consider "knowing" to mean that someone actually saw someone actually do something. Just to know who the bad guys are in town is not knowing who did it. There are probably lots of suspects, but actually knowing who did it is another matter all together.

David K - 1-9-2021 at 07:08 PM

Wow... I believe it was Carol who contacted her son, but you may be the closest neighbor? You guys must be freaked out? Don't answer that...
Thanks for your input!

thebajarunner - 1-10-2021 at 01:46 PM

Has anyone considered the idea that she may not want to be found?
Just asking, not trying to provoke a battle here.

I know that I have often thought that if I got a terminal prognosis from my annual exam that I would be tempted to load up a cooler, some snacks, my cot and some favorite books and head up a long Baja canyon in my trusty 2 wheel drive pickup. Once stuck, just set up camp and wait out the end in my favorite place. (Plus a bottle full of Ambien for when it got too bad.... or I run out of beer)

Just a thought..... I never met her, but always enjoyed Mike's writing and figure one day in my annual trek to LABay our paths might cross.

David K - 1-10-2021 at 02:23 PM

Her home was vandalized and her dog and cat were left there. She had friends and attended weekly functions in L.A. Bay that she didn't show up for. Her peace and quiet home and her two sons in the states would be her only other destinations besides going for supplies.

Don Pisto - 1-10-2021 at 06:44 PM