Mexican cartel hands over its own members who kidnapped 4 Americans and killed 2 of them, says it’s sorry: report

The Mexican drug cartel suspected of kidnapping four Americans and killing two of them has apologized over the incident in a letter apparently issued by the gang. According to The Associated Press, the Scorpions faction of the Gulf cartel criticized the gang members behind the violence and also claimed it had handed over the supposed culprits to authorities.

The fatal encounter happened in the Mexican city of Matamoros. Zindell Brown and Shaeed Woodard died from the shootout while Williams and Latavia McGee survived. And besides the kidnapping and killings of the Americans, a Mexican woman also died from the shootout after she was supposedly hit by a stray bullet.

The Associated Press obtained the letter through a law enforcement official in Tamaulipas. In the letter, the gang rendered an apology to the American victims and their families, the Mexican woman who lost her life, and the people living in Matamoros.

“We have decided to turn over those who were directly involved and responsible in the events, who at all times acted under their own decision-making and lack of discipline,” the letter stated. The cartel also claimed individuals behind the violence had violated its rule of  “respecting the life and well-being of the innocent.”

Besides occasionally releasing statements to reportedly scare rivals and authorities, Mexican drug cartels also issue such statements to calm situations that could have an impact on their business. 

The fatal March 3 encounter occurred after the four Americans entered Matamoros from Texas for one of them to undergo cosmetic surgery. But the gang members opened fire on them before they were put in a pickup truck. The incident happened around midday. 

A friend who was in Brownsville contacted the police after efforts to get in touch with the group proved futile. After receiving the report, Brownsville Police Department spokesman Martin Sandoval said they checked local hospitals and jails. Sandoval said that’s the official procedure when they receive such reports.

A detective who was made to look into the case also contacted the FBI after becoming aware they had entered Mexico. The FBI immediately took over the case after social media footage of the shootout showed that victims of the violence matched the description of the individuals who were reported missing, The Associated Press reported.

The two deceased Americans were returned to the United States on Thursday. The other two survivors are also back in their home country. Williams’ cousin told the news outlet that though his family is relieved that he survived the attack, it won’t accept any apology whatsoever from the cartel behind the violent shootout.

“It ain’t gonna change nothing about the suffering that we went through,” Jerry Wallace said.