Tijuana Grapples With Four Murders

Tijuana reels from a spike in violence – four lives lost in a day, highlighting the city’s grave crime problem. Calls for urgent measures to tackle escalating criminal activities.

# Four Homicides in 24 Hours Shake Tijuana

In the span of just 24 hours, Tijuana witnessed a harrowing string of violent incidents that resulted in four homicides on September 12, 2024. According to the State Attorney General’s Office, Tijuana continues to bear the brunt of violent crime in Baja California, accounting for 76 percent of the recorded murders in the state this year.

The first body was discovered at 6:59 am on Nardo Street, in the Urbi Villas del Prado Second Section. The unidentified male, believed to be between 40 and 45 years old, was found with gunshot wounds to his face and torso.

Later in the day, at 2:36 pm, the decomposed body of a man aged between 30 and 35 was found in an advanced state of decay on Imperio Turco Street in the Valle Imperial neighborhood. The victim was tied up and showed clear signs of violence.

Just minutes later, at 2:52 pm, another unidentified male body was found in a canal of sewage water between Emiliano Zapata Avenue and Encinos Avenue in the Ejido Ojo de Agua neighborhood. The body was in an advanced state of decomposition and had been burned.

The final discovery occurred at 8:25 pm in a two-story wooden house on Lirios Street, in the Rancho Las Flores Second Section. The unidentified victim, aged between 40 and 45 years, was found with a missing right arm and brownish-red stains on his head.

These recent incidents contribute to Tijuana’s alarming murder statistics. In the first days of September, the city already recorded 59 murders. Comparatively, Mexicali reported eight, Tecate six, Rosarito three, and Ensenada two. As of 2024, Tijuana remains the most dangerous municipality in Baja California with 1,336 homicides, followed by Mexicali (142), Ensenada (92), Tecate (74), Rosarito (56), San Quintín (33), and San Felipe (13).

## Additional Report: Rising Crime Rates in Baja California

The latest string of homicides in Tijuana is part of a broader trend of escalating violence across Baja California. A recent increase in drug cartel activities has intensified the violence, leading to frequent clashes and targeted murders throughout the region.

According to local authorities, the primary cause of these violent incidents stems from turf wars between rival cartels fighting for control over drug trafficking routes. The presence of organized crime has not only increased homicide rates but also led to secondary crimes such as kidnappings and extortion.

Social activist groups in Tijuana have been urging the government to deploy additional security forces to curb the violence. Despite these calls, local law enforcement continues to grapple with limited resources, further exacerbating the situation.

A recent study by Mexico’s National Institute of Statistics and Geography indicates a correlation between socio-economic struggles and the rise in crime rates in urban areas like Tijuana. Factors such as high unemployment, limited access to education, and poor living conditions contribute significantly to the prevailing lawlessness.

Experts believe that a multi-faceted approach is required to combat the rising crime rates. This includes not only strengthening law enforcement but also initiating community programs to address underlying social issues.

As Baja California braces for yet another cycle of violence, the call for strategic interventions grows louder, with the hope that coordinated efforts between government bodies, law enforcement, and community organizations can restore peace to the beleaguered region.