"The family of Elliot Blair is absolutely reeling from the tragic death of this amazing young man who was in Rosarito Beach celebrating his first wedding anniversary," the family said in a statement. Baja California authorities condemn the violent acts in Tijuana, Mexicali, and Ensenada, and assure us that they already have detainees. Elliot had an innate ability to connect with people from all walks of life.". 5:56 PM EST, Wed January 18, 2023. Please see our Mexico Travel Advisory for more information on travel safety in Mexico. Criminal activity and violence occur throughout the state, the State Department further warns. Level 2 advisory levels are in effect in the entire Baja California state of Mexico. In addition, it is highly unfortunate that throughout this entire devastating ordeal, Kim, his loving wife, has been given multiple versions of what happened to Elliot. The residents of the area who have been victims of these events have not been denounced because they want to avoid the long lines that are made, but they will seek to do so electronically with an application (App) that the Central Prosecutor made known to them in a meeting. Because of its proximity to the United States, Rosarito Beach is much more developed and safe than other parts of Mexico. ", He wasn't much easier on traditional Republicans, whom he ripped as "freaks, neocons, globalist open borders zealots and fools. There is a heavy police presence in Rosarito Beach, and the town is very safe. Their families argue that his body was not found underneath the couples rooms balcony or any other balcony at the resort, and that Blair was familiar with the layout at the resort and was fluent in Spanish. Neighbors-Install video surveillance cameras at strategic points in the area and with the support of the Municipal Police connect them to the C2 Center. Elliot had an innate ability to connect with people from all walks of life. Mexican authorities had been communicating with American officials who, "from the first day have been given all the all information so that, in turn, through them, efforts can be made to inform and assist relatives of the deceased lawyer," the attorney general's statement says. Blairs family did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The roads in Rosarito are generally in good condition, but they can be narrow and winding in places. Mexico . The findings are based on results of an autopsy conducted by the Judiciary Forensic Medical Service, the office of Attorney General Ricardo Ivn Carpio Snchez said in the written statement. j. f . We are sorry that it has taken so long to release a statement, as the family was hopeful of promised information by the Mexican authorities. Elliots smile was radiant and warmed the hearts of every person he came in contact with. Finally, if you must leave your car for any reason, make sure to take all of your belongings with you and leave the keys in the car. They enjoyed dinner and dancing at a nearby restaurant then drove back to the resort. U.S. officials have issued travel advisories or alerts for every Mexican state except the Yucatn and Campeche. The only real facts that are known are this: a. Elliot and Kim had stayed at Las Rocas Resort and Spa on multiple occasions in the past 5 years. "Out of respect to the family during this difficult time, we have no further comment.". The State Department has issued a travel warning for Mexico, but notes that resort areas and tourist destinations like Rosarito Beach are typically safer than other parts of the country. As a result of crime and kidnapping in the Tijuana and Rosarito areas, it is advised that U.S. citizens reconsider their plans to visit the areas. 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. "The article I read said that he died of a tragic accident and my question is what evidence do you base that conclusion on?". Family Of California Lawyer Who Had Fatal Fall At Mexico Resort Believes He Was 'Brutal Crime' Victim. Blair had been with the public defenders office since 2017, the year he passed the bar exam, and handled felony cases out of the Santa Ana office. Bill Sammon, the Fox News executive who oversaw the networks' election "decision desk," and was instrumental in determining to call the victory for Biden, retired soon after the election in early 2021 because of the heat he got from inside Fox, The Washington Post reported. ", READ MORE: Marco Rubio wants to reinstate Trumps ban on transgender service members, Last month on The Michael Knowles Show, he said, "I don't know how you could have a genocide of transgender people because genocide refers to genes, it refers to genetics, it refers to biology. IE 11 is not supported. Elliot was not intoxicated at the time of this incident, the family said, adding they told the coroners liaison theyll hire a private firm to conduct an independent investigation, including toxicology. Yesterday, during a conversation with the funeral home liaison, it was again suggested he be cremated and the family insisted his body not be cremated in order to conduct a thorough, complete, independent investigation. Neighbors in the area confirmed that on different occasions, the authority has placed retaining walls to block these accesses and the resulting damages, however, they are constantly removed as shown in the photographs. Tijuana, California, and Rosarito, California, both have a high risk of being visited by foreigners, according to US officials. Prosecutors office-It will carry out the investigation of each one of the crimes that are reported and will inform the victim and the Neighborhood Committee of the follow-up and the final result of the investigation.-They will lead actions to dismantle the criminal groups that operate in the area. It is important to remember that Rosarito is a small town, and there are few police officers, so if you are in danger, stop your vehicle and get out. Thats in addition to more than 70,000 Mexicans reported missing in their own country during the same time period. Country Summary: Violent crime - such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery - is widespread and common in Mexico. The family informed the liaison that they would be conducting their own independent investigation, specifically hiring a private investigation firm, retaining an independent forensic pathologist to conduct a medical examination, including their own toxicology analysis. As his family works with the United States officials to learn more, Tijuana-based media has reported that the Baja California Prosecutor's Office ruled that Blair died of head trauma from falling off his hotel balcony. Guadalajara celebrates the 481 anniversary of its foundation! There is no definitive answer to this question as the level of danger varies depending on the individual and the current situation in Mexico. But Blairs body was embalmed without the familys permission, making a routine toxicology report impossible. The family, which has extensive legal training in criminal law, wholeheartedly believes based on their initial investigation, that Elliot was the victim of a brutal crime. Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much . Those who have lived in Rosarito for a long time have a higher crime rate than others. / CBS News. And there were the stones on both sides of the road. The incident occurred in an open-air walkway on the resort's third floor, he said. Two Mexican nationals, a 32-year-old woman and a 27-year-old man identified only as Fanny "N" and Santos "N," were arrested Thursday night on a highway near Rosarito Beach, south of Tijuana,. wholeheartedly believes based on their initial investigation that Elliot was the victim of a brutal . The family is devastated that since this incident, no one from the Rosarito Beach Police Department, their district attorney's office, or any other Mexican officials have reached out and spoken to them directly. g. Elliot was not intoxicated at the time of this incident. Travelers should avoid unnecessary travel and instead drive on major highways. Three tourists were gunned down in a beachside restaurant. The four dined at a nice restaurant. Rosarito is dangerous, but tourists do not face as many risks as locals. John Gress/Corbis via Getty Images, State Department advisory: Reconsider travel. There are not enough words to express the level of love he had for Kim. The narrative presented by Mexican authorities leaves too many unanswered questions, Blairs and Williams families said in a joint statement, adding that they would hire a private investigation firm and an independent forensic pathologist to conduct a medical examination and toxicology analysis. A Comprehensive Analysis Of Security Measures And Infrastructure. Little to no investigation into the circumstances into Elliot's death was conducted by the Rosarito Beach Police Department. Delegation Analyze the possibility of blocking access to the area from gaps. The mystery would have been still hanging out there.. The family of a California public defender who died while celebrating his wedding anniversary in Mexico believes he was the victim of a "brutal crime," their lawyer said Tuesday. Nathan Solis is a Metro reporter covering breaking news at the Los Angeles Times. Elliot Blair, 33, died at his hotel in Rosarito, Baja Mexico on Saturday. Previously, the attorney generals office said Blairs death appeared to be the result of an unfortunate accident from a fall by the now deceased from a third-story floor, according to its statement to the Orange County Register. He continued, "And if it's false, then we should not indulge it. An American public defender who died this month while celebrating his first wedding anniversary in Mexico was the victim of a brutal crime, his family said, noting a coroners liaison told them the case was sent to a local prosecutor to conduct a possible homicide investigation.. All rights reserved, How To Make A Call From Tijuana To Mexico City, Explore Tijuana And Spend US Dollars: The Benefits Of Using Digital Currencies In Mexicos Bustling City, 500 Miles And A Few Hours Away: Exploring Tijuana From Redding California, Fox News Reports On The Complexities Of The Tijuana-San Diego Border Crisis, Celebrating 50+ Years Of Music Magic: La Bamba The Legendary Mexican Rock Band From Tijuana, Exploring Santa Monica To Tijuana: A Guide To The Epic Road Trip, Enjoying Tijuana With Your IPhone: All You Need To Know About Coverage Speeds And Charges, Exploring The Distance Between Acapulco And Tijuana: A Journey Of Over 1800 Miles, Discovering The Exciting City Of Tijuana: A Travel Destination For Everyone, Is Downtown Tijuana Safe To Visit? h. Elliot was found in his underwear, his sleeping tee shirt, and socks. It is incredible how having the evidence, having the audio, looking at photos, looking at how criminal groups do very severe damage to society but because of technicalities, because of details, interpretations, personal criteria, (judges) let them go free, Baja secretary of public safety Isaias Bertin told the San Diego Union-Tribune. The town is full of hotels, restaurants, and bars, and there is a beautiful beach right in town. Mexican authorities also told the Register that they are in contact with the U.S. Justice Department and the FBI, which are sharing information with Blairs family. If youre planning on driving your car to Rosarito, Mexico, youll want to be aware of the risks involved. fourth, you should be aware of the crime rate in Rosarito. An American attorney found dead in Mexico was 'the victim of a brutal crime,' his family claims Blair - who served as a deputy public defender in Orange County, California - was celebrating his. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. When driving in Rosarito, make sure to use caution at all times. Elliot Blair, 33, died Saturday in Rosarito while staying at the Las Rocas Resort and Spa with his wife, Kimberly Williams, to celebrate their first wedding anniversary, according to a statement from his family. Rosarito Beach is a little jewel on the pacific ocean that many more people need to experience. We encourage travelers to read the entire advisory. Just last week, Knowles' responded to backlash he faced for a similar transphobic comment calling for a ban on "transgenderism. Blairs and Williams families have only been in touch with a liaison through the coroners office who contacted them Sunday afternoon. Second, youll need to be aware of the traffic laws in Mexico. Within just hours of this conversation, the family independently came across a news article that quoted "Mexican officials" stating that this appeared to be an "unfortunate accident. The new wave of assaults that have been reported since last weekend are the first of this year but, Jimnez explains, it is not the first time that has happened, since these criminal acts have already happened in previous years. The only communication that the family has received has been through a liaison to the coroner's office. Tijuana's metro area population increased by 20.22% in 2021 to 2,181,000 people. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. Williams was awakened the next morning by hotel staff telling her that her husband had died from a fall off a third floor breezeway. Also, consider looking into aggregate data we have for Crime in Mexico Crime 0 120 54.58 Crime rates in Rosarito, Mexico Safety in Rosarito, Mexico Contributors: 25 Last update: January 2023 These data are based on perceptions of visitors of this website in the past 3 years. Elliot was a brilliant attorney with a bright future, the family said. Elliot had an innate ability to connect with people from all walks of life. Throughout this entire process, it has been suggested by the Mexican authorities that Elliot's body be cremated. ", Fox regretted Biden victory scoop because it hurt ratings with right-wing viewers: report, listened to a recording of the Zoom conference, Rupert Murdoch and Fox hosts secretly derided Trump's lies, 'Hate speech to genocide': Right-wing host uses CPAC stage to call for the eradication of transgender people, Democrats may get infuriated by their red-state senators but they'll shut up to stay in power, CPAC attendees fear the event is now just a slush fund for Matt Schlapps legal defense. Before that, Solis was at the Redding Record Searchlight as a multimedia journalist, where he anchored coverage of the destructive 2017 fires in Northern California. He was found wearing his underwear, his sleeping T-shirt and socks, according to a family statement. Strzok cracked: "Yeah, we've seen that movie before.". Family believes American lawyer who died in Mexico was 'victim of a brutal crime'. 2 cars were affected. The grandparents set an 8 p.m. curfew for safetys sake. Manage Preferences Some Mexican highways are targeted by outlaws who block the roads with burning tires or rubble so they can rob drivers. The only communication that the family has received has been through a liaison to the coroner's office. Some areas of Mexico have an increased risk of crime and kidnapping. But in 2022, Acapulco crimes made international headlines. The networks' regret about beating the competition with crucial election information was yet more evidence that Fox is concerned first about ratings and profits, and only tangentially about the truth. Elliot Blair was found dead while on vacation in Mexico. The officer told me if an emergency happens to call the National Highway Guard headquarters directly. Tijuana, located in the northern part of Mexico, is a city. However, it appears that information isn't going to be directly disseminated to the family. He was found dead last Saturday on the property near the area of the stairs that lead to the parking lot, Mexican authorities said. "Elliots smile was radiant and warmed the hearts of every person he came in contact with. The agency did not immediately respond to CNNs request for comment. Be sure to keep your belongings close to you, and dont wander off alone at night. The activist, also a leader of the movement No to the collection of residents in the Playas de Tijuana toll booth refers that they have detected at least three places where this type of armed robbery is committed on that stretch of highway. Critics slammed Donald Trump's speech at CPAC Saturday as riddled with lies and outrageous, inflated boasts, and marked by a depressing characterization of American life without him in the White House. These can be different from the laws in the United States, so its important to familiarize yourself with them before you go. Is Rosarito Mexico expensive? Rosarito, in the northern part of Baja California near Tijuana, offers a wide variety of activities for tourists who enjoy the warm weather. Objectives of these actions: Eliminate violent crime on the highway.- Reduce crime in the area.- Reduce the response times of corporations to crimes and emergencies.- Process and obtain convictions of the criminals who are committing these crimes.- Improve the perception of safety of the residents of the area. Elliot Blairs family disputes the Mexican authorities report and will conduct a separate investigation into his death in Rosarito. Elliot's smile was radiant and warmed the hearts of every person he came in contact with. You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times. This is Lyndon LaRouche type stuff," he added, referring to the American fascist leader. He previously worked for Courthouse News Service, where he wrote both breaking news and enterprise stories ranging from criminal justice to homelessness and politics. Williams denies that. Elliot Blair was found dead January 14, 2023, while on vacation in Mexico. 2023 Tour By Mexico. Here are some pointers on Rosarito warnings and risks. Elliot Blair, 33 . Travel should be suspended in Baja California due to high levels of violent crime and gang activity. The. His family says the Orange County lawyer was killed, contrary to what Mexican officials have claimed thus far. We are sorry that it has taken so long to release a statement, as the family was hopeful of promised information by the Mexican authorities. A yellow cab is an excellent way to get around, and Haggling is not required. They allege that Blair died in a "tragic accident" at the Las Rocas Resort. They allege that Blair died in a "tragic accident" at the Las Rocas Resort. As his family works with the United States officials to learn more, Tijuana-based media has reported that the Baja California Prosecutor's Office ruled that Blair died of head trauma from falling off his hotel balcony. . i. The autopsy showed his injuries were likely from a fall and not an act of violence, the statement says. Youll want to take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings. InvestigationNeighbors In the event that you are a victim of a crime, you will report immediately to the 9-1-1 emergency number and file the complaint with the Public Ministry. CNN An American public defender who died this month while celebrating his first wedding anniversary in Mexico "was the victim of a brutal crime," his family said, noting a coroner's liaison. The city, located in the state of Guerrero, is famous for the young men who dive from the soaring La Quebrada cliff into the bay below. They just started building a life together in their first year of marriage.. Drug violence has surged in the coastal resort in recent years. 68 46. The crimes are not typically committed by tourists on the weekends or during the day. Elliot was known for a smile on his face and a clever mind, a GoFundMe created in Blairs honor reads. A family is searching for answers after a Southern California public defender died in Mexico over the weekend while celebrating his first wedding anniversary, CBS Los Angeles reports. The United States government has issued a warning aboutserious risks when visiting Tijuana and Rosarito, Baja California. A family is searching for answers after a Southern California public defender died in Mexico over the weekend while celebrating his first wedding anniversary, CBS Los Angeles reports. Tijuana had a metro area population of 2,1240,000 in 2020, up from 2,054,000 in 2019. ", Additionally, during his CPAC address, Knowles asserted, "If transgenderism is false, as it is; if men really can't become women, as they cannot; then it's false for everybody, too." Orange County Public Defender Martin Schwarz told The Register that Blair had worked for the public defenders office since 2017, the year he passed the bar exam. Shooting incidents between criminal groups have injured or killed innocent bystanders, the State Department warns. Like anything else, you should be aware of your surroundings. 2. Elliot was a loving husband, son, and brother. Men should carry their wallets in a jacket pocket rather than the rear pants'. The family and friend of Blair have said they believe the public defender was a victim of a "brutal crime" rather than an accident. The media is supposed to be thrilled with "scoops," but Fox News regretted its early call that Joe Biden won Arizona over Donald Trump in 2020 because it hurt its rating with its far-right audience, The New York Times reported Saturday. In those areas, there is now a level three threat to safety and security. The family of a California public defender who died while celebrating his wedding anniversary in Mexico believes he was the victim of a "brutal crime," their lawyer said Tuesday. Crime rates in Rosarito, Mexico Level of crime 62.50 High Problem people using or dealing drugs 57.89 Moderate Problem property crimes such as vandalism and theft 61.84 High Problem violent crimes such as assault and armed robbery 46.05 Moderate Problem corruption and bribery 57.89 Moderate. While some areas of Mexico are definitely more dangerous than others, Rosarito Beach is one of the safest destinations in the country. If youre going to Rosarito, its a good idea to take the necessary precautions, such as avoiding areas where theres a high risk of violence. It is recommended that travelers only travel during daylight hours, according to the United States State Department. Forget about the Traffic Light entering Mexico. The incident occurred in an open-air walkway located outside the front door of their room at Las Rocas Resort and Spa. The cost is $27 USD for a car with up to 4 people. The U.S. Embassy Mexico webpage posted travel alerts as recent as January 23, which warned about U.S. citizens being injured by violence between taxi cab drivers and Uber and Cabify drivers in Quintana Roo, a state that includes Cancun, Cozumel and Playa del Carmen.