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. Make sure you drive safely and do not drive recklessly. "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.". 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. Rosarito Beach Mayor Hilda Araceli Brown Figueredo did not respond to a request for comment. 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. There is no definitive answer to this question as the level of danger varies depending on the individual and the current situation in Mexico. Mexican journalists are routinely murdered for reporting on crime, which makes documenting murders a dangerous challenge. They are not alone in believing that Blair was killed during the trip. h. Elliot was found in his underwear, his sleeping tee shirt, and socks. 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. John Moore/Getty Images, State Department advisory: Do not travel. 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. They just started building a life together in their first year of marriage.. Elliot's smile was radiant and warmed the hearts of every person he came in contact with. While the drive itself is relatively safe, there are a few things you should know before making the trip. j. Williams denies that. Blair and his wife has stayed at that hotel multiple times in the past five years, according to the GoFundMe page. Maybe Fox should dump its sophisticated "election prediction apparatus" for an old-fashioned, slower system, or base calls on what viewers want to hear, they said, according to the Times. The circumstances surrounding Blair's death still remain unclear, as Mexican authorities have yet to disclose many. The Mexican state of Baja California has seen an increase in violence in recent years, and the U.S. Department of State has issued a travel warning for the region. The good thing is that they failed to assault. The safety of yellow cabs is enhanced because they are not in the position of strangers when you are traveling alone. Updated The case was forwarded to the district attorneys office for a possible homicide investigation, according to the statement. 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. General crime and kidnapping also remain a concern, and the State Department is urging travelers to exercise increased situational awareness after dark in downtown areas of Cancun, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen, and to remain in well-lit pedestrian streets and tourist zones.. Blair's family plans to carry out an independent investigation, hiring a private investigator and a forensic pathologist, Scarsone said. There is a heavy police presence in Rosarito Beach, and the town is very safe. He continued, "And if it's false, then we should not indulge it. > Rosarito vs Mexico City. Blairs and Williams families have only been in touch with a liaison through the coroners office who contacted them Sunday afternoon. 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. Rosarito Beach is located in Baja California, and while the beach town itself has not seen the same level of violence as other parts of the state, it is located just a short drive from areas that have been affected. Playas de Rosarito.-. Elliot Blair was celebrating his first wedding anniversary when he died in Rosarito, Mexico, on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023. 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. The majority of tourists are safe in Rosarito. Blair's family has not heard about his death directly from local authorities; instead, they learned about what happened from a "liaison" to the local coroner's office, the lawyer's statement said. Review of Rosarito Beach. Affected neighbors give their testimonies on social networks. In a statement provided Wednesday to NBC News by the resort's public relations firm, the attorney general of Baja California said an investigation showed Blair appeared to have fallen from the third floor shortly before 1 a.m. Please see our Mexico Travel Advisory for more information on travel safety in Mexico. Elliot Blair, 33, died from severe head trauma, suffering injuries consistent with a fall from a height, ruling out traces of violence in the body of the lawyer produced by a firearm or sharp instrument, according to the attorney generals office in the Mexican state of Baja California. The town is full of hotels, restaurants, and bars, and there is a beautiful beach right in town. He was found dead last Saturday on the property near the area of the stairs that lead to the parking lot, Mexican authorities said. 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. (Family GoFundMe page) The wife of a California lawyer who believes her husband was killed while she slept in their room . There are few police officers in Rosarito due to its small size. Los Angeles, At least 5 people shot at San Pedro beach, Safety concerns and weather conditions hamper San Bernardino County relief efforts, ICE detainees allege retaliation for speaking about medical conditions at Otay Mesa center, Downtown L.A stabbing sends six to hospital; suspect arrested, San Diego Roman Catholic diocese facing yet another lawsuit from its insurance company. The best international beach bargain around! One local outlet reported that Blair fell from the fourth floor of the hotel and may have been "under the influence of alcohol." Breaking down the numbers, homicides and robberies - mainly on businesses - were the crimes that registered the highest increases compared . 2023 Tour By Mexico. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. Criminal activity and violence occur throughout the state, the State Department further warns. They enjoyed dinner and dancing at a nearby restaurant then drove back to the resort. 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. appreciated. . He commented that they made requests for checkpoints, greater surveillance elements, an increase in early morning patrols, and the presence of elements of the National Guard 24 hours a day, among others, in addition to that in a month they will have another meeting to follow up on the issue. Masthead | Yellow cabs are a safer option for you because you dont have to share a car with strangers. Due to the insufficiency of the investigation, the family feels compelled to conduct their own private investigation in search for the truth. Elliot Blair, 33 . Violent crime, such as murder, armed robbery, and carjacking, is an unfortunate reality in Rosarito, and tourists should take extra precautions when visiting the city. ALSO IN THE NEWS: Jet passenger dies in 'severe turbulence' over New England. Piano Sign Up, {{ post.roar_specific_data.api_data.analytics }}, Danger alert: Mexico spring break destinations to avoid, according to the State Department, Critics rip Trump's apocalyptic view of America at CPAC, marked by a depressing characterization of American life without him, "insane" and as "dark and dystopian as any he's given. DeSantis, 5% for businessman Perry Johnson, 3% for Nikki Haley and everyone else at 1% or less. Discovery Company. WARNING: Robberies on the Durango-Zacatecas highway continue, Tired of the democratic process AMLO decrees requiring all federal agencies to give automatic approval for any public works project, American birdwatcher spreads her wings in Mexicos Yucatan Peninsula, AERUS: the new Mexican airline born in San Luis Potosi, Frontier Airlines announced a new direct flight from Puerto Rico to Cancun starting May. The coastal town of Rosarito is an enjoyable place to visit, but it lacks the status of Tijuana or other border towns. 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. The majority of tourists are safe in Rosarito. The town of Rosarito in Mexico is a popular tourist destination for those looking for a sun-drenched vacation. The family also said they told a coroners liaison theyll hire a private firm to conduct an independent investigation that includes toxicology. The Pacific coast setting is so dazzling, Hollywood used it as a backdrop for Elvis and James Bond films. Blairs family said that Mexican authorities have suggested that Blairs body be cremated. "He was the victim of a brutal crime," says a GoFundMe set up for Blair's wife, Kim, who is also a public defender. * These "Mexican officials" still have not reached out to the family with this information. He was found wearing his underwear, his sleeping T-shirt and socks, according to a family statement. A fire twirler he Playa de los Muertos is seen at sunset in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico. 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. d. Elliot was very familiar with the layout of Las Rocas Resort and Spa, as well as its hallways and walkways. If you follow these simple guidelines, you will have a great time in Rosarito Beach. 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, the statement said. 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. The level of violence in Mexico has increased in recent years, particularly in areas along the US-Mexico border, and travelers should exercise caution when visiting. The autopsy found signs of alcohol, the statement says. A Comprehensive Analysis Of Security Measures And Infrastructure. The mystery would have been still hanging out there.. Rosarito is generally safe at night, but as with any city, there are areas that are best avoided. 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. It passed today at 4:30 am in front of Baja Malibu in the scenic Tijuana direction exactly past the Yazmin store. Three tourists were gunned down in a beachside restaurant. Elliots tragic, untimely, and suspicious death has left his family and community with a huge hole in their hearts that will never be repaired.. 1313. They arbitrarily opened accesses to dirt roads that would be being used as an escape route for these criminal gangs. U.S. embassies and consulates abroad also issue alerts to notify U.S. citizens of specific events and changes happening locally in real time. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, O.C. 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. Because of its proximity to the United States, Rosarito Beach is much more developed and safe than other parts of Mexico. Writer Alejandra Caraballo tweeted a clip from Knowles' CPAC speech, writing, "Michael Knowles is openly calling for genocide against trans people at CPAC." Some areas of Mexico have an increased risk of crime and kidnapping. You will also need to purchase a Mexican Tourist Visa, which can be done at the Mexican Consulate or online. In general, however, Rosarito Beach is considered to be safe for Americans. Blair was found in his underwear and socks and a sleeping T-shirt outside a room where he and his wife and had stayed in the past, the lawyers statement said. 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. John Gress/Corbis via Getty Images, State Department advisory: Reconsider travel. Tijuana, California, and Rosarito, California, both have a high risk of being visited by foreigners, according to US officials. Despite warnings from the government, crime and security experts agree that popular tourist destinations such as Rosarito and parts of Tijuana are relatively safe from cartel violence or crime. Third, youll need to have your car insured for driving in Mexico. Elliot had an innate ability to connect with people from all walks of life. Spokesperson Vanessa Smith emailed a statement noting that the State Department evaluates each of Mexicos 32 states so danger levels may differ. Elliot Blair was found dead January 14, 2023, while on vacation in Mexico. Throughout this entire process, it has been suggested by the Mexican authorities that Elliot's body be cremated. Orange County Public Defender Martin Schwarz referred CNN to Scarsone. Blairs family did not immediately respond to requests for comment. By following these tips, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. The grandparents set an 8 p.m. curfew for safetys sake. In their statement, the family says he "was not intoxicated at the time of this incident" and "the incident did not occur off their room's private balcony, nor any balcony, for that matter.". Tijuana had a metro area population of 2,1240,000 in 2020, up from 2,054,000 in 2019. Trump blasted America as a "socialist dumping ground for criminals, junkies, thugs, Marxist radicals and dangerous refugees that no other country wants." Gunmen pursued a visitor into a hotel before realizing they mistook him for someone they apparently wanted to shoot. 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Rosarito is not as dangerous as some other parts of Mexico, but there have been reports of crime, including violence and kidnapping, so it is important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions when traveling. It is critical to exercise caution when driving at night in Rosarito. 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. Be sure to keep your belongings close to you, and dont wander off alone at night. But visitors are drawn to Rosarito Beach, a pretty Tijuana enclave 10 miles from the U.S. border. Rosarito Beach police did not immediately return CNNs calls. Elliot was a loving husband, son, and brother. In contrast, crime is a big problem in Rosarito, just like it is in any other city. There is a toll road that goes directly to Rosarito Beach. An American attorney found dead in Mexico was 'the victim of a brutal crime,' his family claims. 68 46. California public defender killed while vacationing in Mexico. This is how pogroms start.". Given the extremely narrow 0.3 percent margin and a new projection mechanism that no other network had, of course there would be a wide-ranging post-mortem surrounding the call and how it was executed no matter the candidates," the statement added in an explanation for the follow-up meeting. Only 30 minutes from San Diego and minutes from . But visitors are drawn to Rosarito Beach, a pretty Tijuana enclave 10 . Recent reports of violence in Rosarito are extremely rare, but they do not reflect the overall safety of the area. The fundraiser which has exceed its goal of $100,000 was set up to help Blairs family return his body to the US. Elliot was known for a smile on his face and a clever mind, a GoFundMe created in Blairs honor reads. i. Mexico is generally regarded as one of the safest countries to travel and drive to if you have been vaccinated. Orange County lawyer's death in Mexico was 'brutal crime,' family says; . 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. Orange County public defenders Kimberly Williams and Elliot Blair, 33, celebrated their first wedding anniversary in Rosaritos Las Rocas Resort and Spa. Level 2 advisory levels are in effect in the entire Baja California state of Mexico. Baja California authorities condemn the violent acts in Tijuana, Mexicali, and Ensenada, and assure us that they already have detainees. The network ended up being the last media outlet to declare Joe Biden the victor in the national race, the Times pointed out. 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. In Rosarito, pickpocketing is not uncommon, but it is one of the least common crimes. The proposals for actions to improve the security of the Coastal Zone that they raised are: 1. e. The incident did not occur off their room's private balcony, nor any balcony, for that matter. Elliot Blair, 33, died at his hotel in Rosarito, Baja Mexico on Saturday. The arrest of a prominent cartel leader has prompted the U.S. Embassy in Mexico to advise American tourists to avoid Tijana, Rosarito, and Baja California due to serious safety concerns. In contrast, crime is a big problem in Rosarito, just like it is in any other city. A fundraiser in honor of Blairs memory has been organized by a colleague to help Blairs wife with the cumbersome process involved in transporting Elliots body from Mexico to the USA and dealing with all the red tape, reads the donation page set up by Annie Rodriguez, to whom CNN has reached out. ALSO IN THE NEWS: 'Hate speech to genocide': Right-wing host uses CPAC stage to call for the eradication of transgender people. You should also be aware of your surroundings and not leave your vehicle running unattended. But according to Mexican government statistics, 324 Americans vanished in Mexico between 2006 and 2020. Mon, Feb 06, 2023. In those areas, there is now a level three threat to safety and security. But Blairs family argues the incident occurred in an open-air walkway outside his rooms front door. Tijuana's metro area population increased by 20.22% in 2021 to 2,181,000 people. But they were stopped by local police who claimed that Blair rolled through a stop sign. Manage Preferences "The article I read said that he died of a tragic accident and my question is what evidence do you base that conclusion on?". 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. 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. g. Elliot was not intoxicated at the time of this incident. If you are planning on going out to bars or clubs, it is best to go with a group of friends and to leave your belongings at your hotel or in a secure place. State Department advisory: Reconsider travelRight across the border, Tijuana topped 2,000 murders in 2022, helping make the state of Baja California the second deadliest in Mexico. Heres what you should know about the current state of some of the most popular Spring Break destinations in Mexico: Police agents search a man for illegal contraband during a drug sweep in Colonia Chula Vista December 14, 2006 in Tijuana, Mexico. Tim Stelloh is a breaking news reporter for NBC News Digital. Elliot's tragic, untimely, and suspicious death has left his family and community with a huge hole in their hearts that will never be repaired. Scarsone has said Blair was not intoxicated and a toxicology report had not been completed. 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. Travel blogger Chrissy Kaprolos recently stayed with her boyfriends grandparents in their middle-class home near the luxury beachfront hotels. Hotels with self-contained units are very common, having been in existence for a long time. 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. Family believes American lawyer who died in Mexico was 'victim of a brutal crime'. Rape has been reported to police in Rosarito. He assures that because most crimes are committed at dawn, since the assaults are massive since it is a remote area, the authorities, when they manage to make a call for help, simply does not arrive. 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. There are not enough words to express the level of love he had for Kim. Elliot Blair, 33, a deputy public defender in Orange County, California, died from severe head trauma, the liaison said, citing an autopsy, according to a family statement provided by their attorney, David Scarsone. Calling 9-11 is longer for federal highway . He claimed that people in the country illegally are staying in the U.S. in "beautiful hotel suites. 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.