Scarsone did not immediately respond to a request Wednesday night for comment about the statement. Elliot Blair, right, was found dead at a hotel and spa near Rosarito, Mexico on Saturday, Jan. 14 after an apparent fall from a balcony, local police said. 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. Elliot was a loving husband, son and brother. While Blairs relatives do not offer any specific evidence of a crime, they dispute his death occurred off the couples resort room balcony and say it happened outside the rooms front door in an open-air walkway, according to the statement. The death of an Orange County public defender at a Baja California resort last week, labeled an unfortunate accident by Mexican authorities, has raised several unanswered questions with little to no investigation by local police, the mans family said in a statement. Especially since that indulgence requires taking away the rights and customs of so many people. Overall, driving to Rosarito is safe if youre prepared and aware of the risks. Yes, it is safe to drive to Rosarito. The U.S. State Department said it was aware of reports of the death of a citizen in Rosarito Beach, Mexico. The attorney general of Baja California said in a statement that the autopsy showed Elliot Blair's injuries were likely from a fall and not an act of violence. Manage Preferences Williams was awakened the next morning by hotel staff telling her that her husband had died from a fall off a third floor breezeway. Neighbors affected by these criminal gangs have shared some photos and experiences on social networks such as the following: Friends and Family, who travel the toll road, today 4:30 in the morning I was going to my work and in the height of Baja Malibu they were placed in the form of a stone barrier on the road, be very careful since the same personnel from the National Guard commented that it is a trap to rob. Hashish said bruising and scrapes indicated that Blair had been dragged along the ground at some point. Elliot was a brilliant attorney with a bright future, the family said. Located just south of the border from San Diego, Rosarito Beach has long been a popular destination for American tourists. All Rights Reserved. "He was the victim of a brutal crime," says a GoFundMe set up for Blair's wife, Kim, who is also a public defender. "We stand ready to provide all appropriate consular assistance," the department said in a statement Wednesday. (Family GoFundMe page) The wife of a California lawyer who believes her husband was killed while she slept in their room . But a judge released them, frustrating Mexican investigators and Aguilars grieving family. An Orange County deputy public defender was slain Saturday morning, Jan. 14, in Mexico, during a personal trip, Public Defender Martin Schwarz confirmed. The suspicion that he had died from ingesting drugs was . On Christmas Day 2022, Ohio architect Jose Gutierrez, 31, vanished in Mexico with his fiance, her sister and her cousin. Crime rates in Rosarito Beach are lower than the national average in Mexico, and there have been no recent reports of violence or crime directed at American tourists. But according to Mexican government statistics, 324 Americans vanished in Mexico between 2006 and 2020. The liaison also advised that as of that time, the toxicology report had not been completed. The United States government has no restrictions on travel to this area. Be sure to keep your belongings close to you, and dont wander off alone at night. She then included the Daily Wire host's quote: "Transgenderism must be eradicated from public life entirely. The circumstances surrounding Blair's death still remain unclear, as Mexican authorities have yet to disclose many details to this point. Fear still lingering--as a music festival in rosarito draws in thousands of tourists. While some people feel comfortable driving into Rosarito Mexico, others may not. 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. 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,. Two suspects who were using his credit cards were arrested. They enjoyed dinner and dancing at a nearby restaurant then drove back to the resort. In one video, a bewildered Russian family is ordered out of their rideshare as drivers argue over them and police try to stop fistfights and prevent guns from being drawn. In contrast, crime is a big problem in Rosarito, just like it is in any other city. Then it never did. Elliot D. Blair, in his early 30s, was in. Rosarito, Mexico is a popular tourist destination, but unfortunately, like many cities in Mexico, it has a high crime rate. By following these tips, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. But Oaxaca had 731 murders in 2021 compared to 1,210 murders by August of last year,according to the Executive Secretariat of the National Public Security System. ", Husband of missing woman Ana Walshe arraigned on murder charge, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen meets Chinese economic officials in Switzerland, Trump, DeSantis and the potential 2024 Republican presidential campaign, Walk in showers are going to be the new trend. The U.S. Embassy in Mexico City has issued a travel alert for Tijuana and Rosarito because of possible fighting between criminal groups and Mexican security forces. His family says the Orange County lawyer was killed, contrary to what Mexican officials have claimed thus far. Blair's family plans to carry out an independent investigation, hiring a private investigator and a forensic pathologist, Scarsone said. Elliot was known for a smile on his face and a clever mind, a GoFundMe created in Blairs honor reads. However, it appears that information isn't going to be directly disseminated to the family. 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. He made a call to the authority to provide the public security that an area with more than 19 subdivisions and about 15 thousand inhabitants deserves. 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. wholeheartedly believes based on their initial investigation that Elliot was the victim of a brutal . The grandfather remarked that their mission must be crucial because they normally avoid the dangers in residential areas after dark. Kim was his life. Neighbors of Playas denounce that they put stones and spiked wires on the stage to puncture the tires of those who travel at dawn so that they stop and thus assault them with violence. You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times. Trump blasted America as a "socialist dumping ground for criminals, junkies, thugs, Marxist radicals and dangerous refugees that no other country wants." Mexican authorities investigating the case of an American attorney who was found dead at a resort hotel earlier this month determined there was no foul play in his death, according to an official statement released Thursday. Speaking out for the first time, wife of California lawyer who died in Mexico recalls his final hours. Blair died Saturday in Rosarito, Mexico, while celebrating his first wedding anniversary. It is important to do your own research and make an informed decision before driving into any unfamiliar territory. Is it safe to drive in Rosarito? Some Mexican highways are targeted by outlaws who block the roads with burning tires or rubble so they can rob drivers. All will be checked now! 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. The U.S. Department of State advises travelers to only travel during daylight hours. Here's what we know. If you follow these simple guidelines, you will have a great time in Rosarito Beach. ", Caraballo directed another tweet towards the right-wing commentator, saying, "What exactly do you think 'eradication' entails? There are not enough words to express the level of love he had for Kim. Their killers were likely the last people to see the four alive. A fire twirler he Playa de los Muertos is seen at sunset in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico. For over 80 years, movie stars and royalty have stayed at Rosarito Lodge. . But its hardly the only place in Mexico. | 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. Rosarito is located in the northwestern Mexican state of Baja California and is a popular tourist destination, especially for Americans. Elliot's smile was radiant and warmed the hearts of every person he came in contact with. 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. Blair was found dead Saturday at the Las Rocas Resort in Rosarito Beach a 45-mile drive south of San Diego where he and his wife Kim were staying. He told the Los Angeles Times that Blairs injuries he had multiple skull fractures were inconsistent with a fall. Tim Stelloh is a breaking news reporter for NBC News Digital. Fox was bashed last month after a court filing in the $1.6 billion Dominion defamation suit against the network revealed that owner Rupert Murdoch and Fox hosts secretly derided Trump's lies about a "rigged" election yet continued to peddle them to viewers. 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. Police corruption continues in Rosarito Baja California. 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. They arbitrarily opened accesses to dirt roads that would be being used as an escape route for these criminal gangs. His family says the Orange County lawyer was killed, contrary to what Mexican officials have claimed thus far. There is a heavy police presence in Rosarito Beach, and the town is very safe. 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. The tourist areas near the beach are generally safe, but it is always best to be aware of your surroundings and not to flash any valuables around. "He was the victim of a brutal crime," says a GoFundMe set up for Blair's wife, Kim, who is also a public defender. 2023 Cable News Network. Elliot had an innate ability to connect with people from all walks of life.". Mexico is a relatively safe country to visit, with little restrictions on how one can drive. "News clippings dont always capture the frequency of missing persons, whereas locals sometimes hear of incidents solely through social media," she wrote. The Baja California Attorney Generals Office said the 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. But Blairs family argues the incident occurred in an open-air walkway outside his rooms front door. This year, on the brink of spring break, the U.S. Department of State has issued a do not travel advisory for Zacatecas, warning that its unsafe because of crime and kidnapping threats. The Blair family maintains that there was foul play involved, stating that no one from the Rosarito Beach Police Department or the Mexican government has reached out to speak to them. Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window), Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window), Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window), Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window), Tijuana-Rosarito highway violent assaults increasing, citizens demand police action, Tlaxcala festivity mocks European colonizers, USD-Mexico Peso Exchange rate today March 1st, 2023. Popular destinations for college students, such as Tijuana and Puerto Vallarta, are grappling with violence along with the glamorous vacation spots of Cabo San Lucas, Acapulco and Cancun. Orange County Deputy Public Defender Elliot Blair, 33, was celebrating his first wedding anniversary at Las Rocas Resort and Spa in Rosarito Beach with his wife, Kim, when he died. Listen, its one of the sad realities: If we hadnt called Arizona, those three or four days following Election Day, our ratings would have been bigger," Suzanne Scott, chief executive of Fox News Media, said at a meeting days later, according to the Times, which listened to a recording of the Zoom conference. Conservative political commentator, Michael Knowles, called for the eradication of transgender people during his 2023 Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) speech, The Daily Beast reports. Elliot was a brilliant attorney with a bright future. These can be different from the laws in the United States, so its important to familiarize yourself with them before you go. The crimes are not typically committed by tourists on the weekends or during the day. Elliot Blair was found dead January 14, 2023, while on vacation in Mexico. The safety and security of those areas have deteriorated to a level three. Since 2016, there has been a decrease in robberies and assaults, despite the fact that homicides have increased. Scott suggested that delaying election calls is a ratings strategy that other outlets, like CNN, use to keep viewers in suspense, and watching. Nonetheless, there are some precautions to take. The State Department regards the highways to Mazatlan and Acapulco as so dangerous, government employees are not allowed to drive them even in daylight. The fundraiser which has exceed its goal of $100,000 was set up to help Blairs family return his body to the US. When living in Rosarito full-time, you should never leave anything unprotected. Strzok cracked: "Yeah, we've seen that movie before.". 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? Here are some pointers on Rosarito warnings and risks. Criminal activity and violence occur throughout the state, the State Department further warns. The Blair family maintains that there was foul play involved, stating that no one from the Rosarito Beach Police Department or the Mexican government has reached out to speak to them. Rosarito Beach Mayor Hilda Araceli Brown Figueredo did not respond to a request for comment. Drunk Driving can also land you in serious trouble, so dont drive if youve had a few drinks. e. The incident did not occur off their room's private balcony, nor any balcony, for that matter. 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 use of a passport makes life easier on a daily basis. An investigation found no evidence of violence in the room where Blair and his wife were staying, the statement says. d. Elliot was very familiar with the layout of Las Rocas Resort and Spa, as well as its hallways and walkways. Delegation Analyze the possibility of blocking access to the area from gaps. State Guard Carry out preventive tours in the area of the gaps and in the area in general.- Collaboration with intelligence information you may have on incidents with other authorities. The town is full of hotels, restaurants, and bars, and there is a beautiful beach right in town. Unit 3921 of the SSC came to the scene, as well as the 119 unit of Red Cross paramedics, who reported that the young Taylor P., 23 years old, no longer had signs of life, nor did he show signs of violence. h. Elliot was found in his underwear, his sleeping tee shirt, and socks. The only communication that the family has received has been through a liaison to the coroner's office. ", 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. The only communication that the family has received has been through a liaison to the coroner's office. Elliot Blair, 33, died Saturday outside his hotel room at Las Rocas Resort and Spa in Rosarito Beach, roughly 32 miles south of San Diego, the lawyer, David Scarsone, said in a statement. . At the moment, I cant give you a specific date. Depending on where you are going, you will have to take one of two types of Mexican taxis. The majority of tourists are safe in Rosarito. Level 2 advisory levels are in effect in the entire Baja California state of Mexico. 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. i. Because of its proximity to the United States, Rosarito Beach is much more developed and safe than other parts of Mexico. Little to no investigation into the circumstances into Elliot's death was conducted by the Rosarito Beach Police Department. 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. Mon, Feb 06, 2023. Ahntastic Adventures in Silicon Valley While some areas of Mexico are definitely more dangerous than others, Rosarito Beach is one of the safest destinations in the country. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in many areas of Mexico, as travel by U.S. government employees to certain areas is prohibited or restricted. Drinking is prohibited in public because it is selective enforcement. It has a population of 1,696,923 and is Mexico's sixth largest city. c. Additionally, Elliot and Kim had stayed in this specific room on the third floor on multiple occasions. Men should carry their wallets in a jacket pocket rather than the rear pants'. But Blairs body was embalmed without the familys permission, making a routine toxicology report impossible. The circumstances surrounding Blair's death still remain unclear, as Mexican authorities have yet to disclose many. Tijuana's metro area population increased by 20.22% in 2021 to 2,181,000 people. DeSantis, 5% for businessman Perry Johnson, 3% for Nikki Haley and everyone else at 1% or less. Discovery Company. Elliot was a loving husband, son, and brother. The family opposes cremation of Blairs body, they said, noting that in conversations with a funeral home they have been told several times that authorities have recommended that process. 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. The family and friend of Blair have said they believe the public defender was a victim of a "brutal crime" rather than an accident. To keep you safe, keep an eye out for tourist-friendly areas in Rosarito. They must fly or sail into the ports. You should stop your vehicle if you are concerned that you are in danger. 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. One local outlet reported that Blair fell from the fourth floor of the hotel and may have been "under the influence of alcohol."