ANGA MACO, MEXICO – A routine trip turned tragic for a California couple who were found shot to death in their pickup truck during a holiday visit to Mexico. Authorities are investigating the deaths of Rafael Cardona, 53, and Gloria Ambre, 50, who were discovered Thursday in Anga Maco, a region plagued by organized crime.
The couple, both U.S. citizens, had traveled annually to the area where Cardona’s brother-in-law serves as mayor. Their bodies were discovered just seven blocks from his residence, raising concerns about safety and potential threats to local officials. The mayor described the incident as a direct threat, though the investigation is still ongoing.
Cardona and Ambre, residents of Sacramento, California, had three children and were involved in the freight industry. They owned a house in the Mexican town where they spent every Christmas and New Year’s, a tradition that has now been shattered by violence.
The local attorney general’s office is leading the investigation, but details remain scarce. Family members shared images of the couple, highlighting the personal impact of their loss. The couple’s funeral is set to take place today in Mexico, where loved ones will gather to mourn.
This incident underscores the ongoing challenges of organized crime in Mexico, which continues to affect both residents and visitors. The tragic deaths of Cardona and Ambre serve as a stark reminder of the dangers that persist in certain regions.
As authorities work to uncover the motive behind the killings, the community is left grappling with fear and uncertainty. The couple’s annual visits were a symbol of their connection to their roots, a connection now marred by their untimely deaths.
The investigation’s outcome may hold implications for the safety of others in the region, particularly those with ties to local governance. For now, the focus remains on finding justice for the couple whose lives were abruptly ended.