Two brothers visiting family in Mexico were shot and a son was seriously injured Friday night, ABC 7 Chicago reported.
Vincente Peña Jr., his brother Antonio Fernandez, Peña Jr.'s teenage son, and a 22-year-old relative were shot in the head next to an SUV with Illinois plates on the side of a highway in the Mexican state of Durango. discovered. Exit reported Tuesday.
Peña Jr., Fernandez, and Peña Jr.'s son had traveled from Chicago to spend the holidays in Durango with relatives. Peña Jr.'s son is the only survivor in a Mexican hospital, in a coma. (Related: 4 people found shot in the head near Cancun resort, including suspected corrupt police officer)
The boy's grandmother, Maria Elena Hernandez, was still in Chicago at the time of the incident when her daughter called to break the news.
“She said, 'Mom, they killed my son.' They killed Junior. They killed my brother-in-law. I don't know what to do. ” Hernandez told the magazine.
It is not clear whether the killing was targeted or the result of a robbery gone wrong.
Peña Jr.'s son celebrated his 14th birthday on Sunday.
Julie Contreras, founder of immigrant charity United Giving Hope, said: “He should have been celebrating his birthday with his family in Mexico, but instead he died in critical condition with a gunshot wound to the head.'' condition,” he said. said Outlet.
Contreras told the show that his son's brother found out about the incident and was visibly shaken.
“It's heartbreaking, this family is going through a nightmare right now, and we just want to get them home and be safe,” Contreras added. Ta. “As you can imagine, this is a nightmare for his mother. And what we're trying to do now is provide that advocacy and security.”
Hernandez told the show that his family's priority is to return to Chicago as soon as possible. According to ABC 7 Chicago, Contreras is working with his family and the U.S. State Department to facilitate his return.
US Department of State reissued The travel advisory was issued on September 6 after reviewing the security situation in Durango and other Mexican states. This puts Durango at Level 2: Extra Caution.
“Violent crime and gang activity is high in parts of Durango,” the advisory states, and also warns U.S. officials against traveling west and south of U.S. Highway 45, which runs through the state. I'm warning you.
