An Illinois family’s vacation in Mexico was cut short in a violent attack that left two Americans dead and a teenager seriously wounded. The incident took place near Las Palmas, Durango, where Vicente Peña Rodríguez and Antonio Fernández Rodríguez were killed, along with local resident Jorge Eduardo Vargas Aguirre. Peña Rodríguez’s 14-year-old son was critically injured and is currently in a medically induced coma.
The family had traveled to Mexico to celebrate the teenager’s birthday, but their trip turned into a nightmare when they were ambushed in their SUV. Local authorities have confirmed that the family was targeted, though the specific reasons behind the attack remain unclear.
Three of the four family members were killed, and one was critically injured in a shooting in Durango, Mexico, last week. Of the four shot, three were Americans and one was a local resident. pic.twitter.com/iHM6MoUCcG
— Geopolitical Kid (@Geopoliticalkid) January 1, 2025
The boy’s grandfather, Vicente Peña, spoke out about the horrific experience, calling the shooting a “massacre.” He described the violent assault in chilling detail, saying his son and others were shot multiple times. Peña added that his son had been hit four times in the head and once in the shoulder.
Despite the teen’s critical condition, family members are facing obstacles trying to transfer him to the U.S. for further treatment. Medical staff in Mexico have deemed it unsafe to move him, citing his fragile state.
The attack has raised concerns about the safety of Americans traveling in Mexico. Local authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident, which has captured national attention.
