Authorities in Puerto Vallarta are investigating whether a possible serial offender could be linked to the deaths of three women whose bodies have been discovered in separate areas of the city in recent weeks.
The latest case emerged Thursday morning after a woman’s body was found on a dirt road near the Parque Las Palmas neighborhood, off Camino Viejo a Mojoneras. The discovery has prompted investigators to compare the circumstances surrounding her death with two similar cases already under investigation.
The first victim was reportedly discovered near Rancho El Pirulí in the Chimborazo area on May 10. Days later, another woman’s body was found at a roadside stop along the highway to Mismaloya.
According to preliminary information, all three victims were women believed to be between 30 and 35 years old. Investigators say the bodies were found in isolated or lightly traveled areas of Puerto Vallarta, and until now none of the women had been officially identified.
Authorities also noted that each victim had multiple tattoos and was discovered in a similar state of partial undress.
The details have led investigators to examine whether the killings may follow a pattern.
Detectives and forensic teams are now reviewing evidence from each scene in an effort to determine if a single suspect could be responsible or if the similarities are coincidental.
In the latest case, authorities revealed the woman found Thursday had several distinctive tattoos that investigators hoped could help identify her. Among them were an image of a horned woman with a hand covering her mouth, a skull tattoo, and a woman’s name tattooed on her right forearm. Officials said additional identifying marks were located on her neck, hand, and arm.
On Friday morning, unofficial reports emerged suggesting the victim could possibly be a 22-year-old woman from the State of México who was reported missing in late April. Information released by the State of Mexico’s Missing Persons Search Commission described a missing woman with tattoos matching some of those found on the victim.
Authorities in Jalisco have not officially confirmed the identity, but reports do indicate that relatives of the missing woman may travel to Puerto Vallarta on Friday to determine whether the victim is their family member.
The woman found Thursday reportedly showed signs of violence, prompting ministerial authorities to open an investigation under the corresponding homicide and femicide protocols.
Despite the discovery of the bodies over a period of time, no relatives or acquaintances had initially come forward to identify or claim any of the women. Investigators are also exploring the possibility that the victims may have been transported from another location before being abandoned in Puerto Vallarta.
The cases have generated growing concern among locals, residents and tourists, as rumors of a possible serial killer continue circulating on social media. Officials, however, caution that the investigation remains in its early stages and stress that no formal conclusion has been reached.
Investigators from the state prosecutor’s office and local police departments are coordinating efforts, reviewing forensic evidence, surveillance footage, and police reports connected to each case. Authorities say every line of investigation remains open as they work to determine whether the deaths are linked.
While officials have not publicly labeled the case as serial homicide, the similarities between the victims and the crime scenes have intensified scrutiny and increased pressure on investigators to identify those responsible.
For now, authorities continue searching for evidence that could reveal whether Puerto Vallarta is dealing with a single repeat offender or a series of unrelated crimes.
Charlotte Smith is a writer and journalist based in Mexico. Her work focuses on travel, politics and community. You can follow along with her travel stories at www.salsaandserendipity.com.
