Kidnapped Americans Identified in Mexico; Gulf Cartel would be behind the disappearance

Nathan Rivera

07/03/2023

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Authorities are offering a $50,000 reward for anyone who provides information on the whereabouts of the victims.

Photo: JULIO CESAR AGUILAR / AFP / Getty Images

The four Americans kidnapped in Mexico last Friday were identified, while the FBI, federal partners and local authorities continue to investigate, who point out that members of the Gulf Cartel would be behind the attack and subsequent disappearance.

The four Americans were identified as Latavia "Tay" McGee, Shaeed Woodard, Zindell Brown, and Eric James Williams. According to his mother, McGee and his cousin Woodard they were among the victims in Matamoros along with their friends Brown and Williams.

According to data revealed by ABC News, US citizens crossed into Matamoros, in the border state of Tamaulipas, on the border with Brownsville, Texas on Fridayin a white minivan with North Carolina license plates.

Barbara Burgess, 54, McGee's mother, told ABC News that your daughter traveled from South Carolina to Mexico to undergo a cosmetic medical procedure and that before the trip he warned him not to go.

Burgess said McGee called to say she was 15 minutes from the doctor's office, which was the last time she heard from her.

According to the official version, released by Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, the US citizens were kidnapped after being caught in the middle of a confrontation between groups.

“The entire “Mexican government” is there working on this,” López Obrador said.

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the State Department, the Department of Homeland Security and Mexican authorities are working together on the case, according to the White House.

In turn, the US ambassador to Mexico, Ken Salazar, said that several US law enforcement officials are working with Mexican authorities at all levels of government "to ensure the safe return" of the four. kidnapped Americans.

According to press reports, an armed faction of the Gulf Cartel is believed to be behind the kidnapping. They are hitmen from the Escorpión Groupwho attacked the group and then took them away.

This criminal cell was made up of former state, municipal and judicial police officers.hired by Antonio Ezequiel Cárdenas Guillén, "Tony Tormenta", leader of the Gulf Cartel, who created his own group of gunmen, which, after the break with Los Zetas, became the "army" of the entire Gulf mafia.

After the death of "Tony Tormenta" it was believed that this group had disappeared due to the lack of a leader, but in 2015 it was reported that a group from the "Gulf Cartel" continued to operate under the name "Grupo Escorpión". in that Mexican border state.

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Biden attentive to the kidnapping of 4 Americans in Matamoros; spokesperson highlights coordination with Mexico
Disappeared Americans in Matamoros would have been kidnapped "by mistake," according to authorities

Author Profile

Nathan Rivera
Allow me to introduce myself. I am Nathan Rivera, a dedicated journalist who has had the privilege of writing for the online newspaper Today90. My journey in the world of journalism has been a testament to the power of dedication, integrity, and passion.

My story began with a relentless thirst for knowledge and an innate curiosity about the events shaping our world. I graduated with honors in Investigative Journalism from a renowned university, laying the foundation for what would become a fulfilling career in the field.

What sets me apart is my unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth. I refuse to settle for superficial answers or preconceived narratives. Instead, I constantly challenge the status quo, delving deep into complex issues to reveal the reality beneath the surface. My dedication to investigative journalism has uncovered numerous scandals and shed light on issues others might prefer to ignore.

I am also a staunch advocate for press freedom. I have tirelessly fought to protect the rights of journalists and have faced significant challenges in my quest to inform the public truthfully and without constraints. My courage in defending these principles serves as an example to all who believe in the power of journalism to change the world.

Throughout my career, I have been honored with numerous awards and recognitions for my outstanding work in journalism. My investigations have changed policies, exposed corruption, and given a voice to those who had none. My commitment to truth and justice makes me a beacon of hope in a world where misinformation often prevails.

At Today90, I continue to be a driving force behind journalistic excellence. My tireless dedication to fair and accurate reporting is an invaluable asset to the editorial team. My biography is a living testament to the importance of journalism in our society and a reminder that a dedicated journalist can make a difference in the world.

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