Mexico Kidnapping: Gulf Cartel Blamed for Tragic Attack on 4 Americans

Four Americans went to Matamoros, Mexico, but only two came back home after they were kidnapped by a notorious Mexican drug cartel. Now, it seems that the Gulf Cartel was to be blamed for the kidnapping and killing of two U.S. citizens in the area.

Mexican authorities believe the Gulf Cartel, also known as Clan del Golfo, was the cartel likely behind the attack. Governor Americo Villareal of Tamaulipas state spoke at a news conference and stated that the cartel moved their American hostages from different locations, including a clinic, over the three days of their detention. This was an attempt to throw off investigators tracking them.

The Gulf Cartel controls the area where the Americans were kidnapped and held, which is why authorities believe they were the ones behind the attack.

Authorities also captured a 24-year-old suspect who was tasked to make sure the hostages did not escape. However, the kidnapping also resulted in the deaths of two Americans, namely Shaeed Woodard and Zindell Brown, whose bodies will be repatriated and returned to the United States. Meanwhile, the two survivors, Latavia "Tay" McGee and Eric James Williams, are currently undergoing treatment in a hospital in Texas, according to the Independent.

What Happened to the Americans Held by the Gulf Cartel?

The four Americans were traveling to Mexico to receive better healthcare. However, their minivan was caught up in a middle of a drug cartel shootout in the border city of Matamoros in Tamaulipas state on Friday. They were then captured by one side and held for three days. Witnesses said the Americans were hauled off in a pick-up truck.

Mexican authorities soon found them inside a shack that was guarded by the man who was arrested. It was confirmed that American authorities were not involved in the operation, which found that Woodard and Brown were already dead.

According to Al Jazeera News, the Gulf Cartel may have taken the Americans in a case of mistaken identity, as there was much confusion happening in the firefight between rival drug cartels, Mexican authorities say.

State Department spokesperson Ned Price thanked Mexican authorities for the rescue and stated, "Ultimately we want to see accountability for the violence that has been inflicted on these Americans that tragically led to the death of two of them." As for the FBI, the bureau offered a $50,000 reward for the victims' return and the arrest of the abductors.

American Kidnap Victims Went to Mexico for Healthcare

The kidnapping has placed the plight of the American healthcare system into the spotlight once again, as U.S. citizens are forced to cross the border to gain access to better healthcare.

According to USA Today, one relative stated that the four traveled to Mexico for tummy tuck surgery. Because of the Mexican healthcare system, medical treatment, and even cheaper surgery in Mexico, it is not uncommon for Americans to cross the border just to receive cheaper medical care.

Around 1.2 million Americans traveled to Mexico for various healthcare services, including dental and surgery, before the pandemic. Josef Woodman, CEO of Chapel Hill, North Carolina-based Patients Beyond Borders, estimates that Americans can save 40% to 60% off the cost of similar procedures or operations at U.S. hospitals or clinics.

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This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: What 2 Americans were killed in Mexico? - KHOU 11