"The article I read said that he died of a tragic accident and my question is what evidence do you base that conclusion on?". Attempts to reach the Baja California attorney generals office on Tuesday were not successful. His family says the Orange County lawyer was killed, contrary to what Mexican officials have claimed thus far. Hotels with self-contained units are very common, having been in existence for a long time. "Elliot was a brilliant attorney with a bright future," the statement said. You should stop your vehicle if you are concerned that you are in danger. Drive with caution and use your headlights as soon as you notice anything unusual. The autopsy found signs of alcohol, the statement says. Since 2016, there has been a decrease in robberies and assaults, despite the fact that homicides have increased. "Elliots smile was radiant and warmed the hearts of every person he came in contact with. CNN reached out to the Blair familys attorney for more information. Those who have lived in Rosarito for a long time have a higher crime rate than others. Tijuana-Rosarito highway violent assaults increasing, citizens demand police action November 23, 2021 6748 - 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. 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. The roads in Rosarito are generally in good condition, but they can be narrow and winding in places. They are not alone in believing that Blair was killed during the trip. Elliot Blair, 33, died Saturday in Rosarito while staying at the Las Rocas Resort and Spa with his wife, Kimberly Williams, to celebrate their first wedding anniversary, according to a statement from his family. The head of the restaurants, bars and club owners guild was murdered in front of his nightclub in a heavily policed neighborhood. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. 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. 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. 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. Elliot was a brilliant attorney with a bright future, the family said. Did you encounter any technical issues? Blair and Williams vacationed at the Rosarito resort multiple times over the last five years and stayed in the third-floor room, the family said. Drinking is prohibited in public because it is selective enforcement. We publish alerts to the U.S. Embassy Mexico webpage.. 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. Manage Preferences Despite the warnings, crime and security experts say popular tourist areas in Baja California, including Rosarito and parts of Tijuana, are generally safe from cartel crime or violence against US citizens. When driving in Rosarito, make sure to use caution at all times. InvestigationNeighbors In the event that you are a victim of a crime, you will report immediately to the 9-1-1 emergency number and file the complaint with the Public Ministry. Posted by mx-rider on April 30, 2022 at 12:49 pm. Crime Comparison Between Rosarito and Mexico City . "He was the victim of a brutal crime," says a GoFundMe set up for Blair's wife, Kim, who is also a public defender. Yellow cabs are a safer option for you because you dont have to share a car with strangers. He claimed that people in the country illegally are staying in the U.S. in "beautiful hotel suites. Yes, it is safe to drive to Rosarito. Nevertheless, the U.S. Embassy Mexico noted that Jalisco state issued a state-wide security alert and increased security presence in December as there is the potential for conflicts between police and criminal elements., Mexican marines stand guard at the site of a suspected drug-related execution on March 3, 2012 near Acapulco, 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. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. The family of the Orange County public defender believes that he was "the victim of a brutal crime." Police reported several deaths and injuries. In general, however, Rosarito Beach is considered to be safe for Americans. 2. i. In order to drive to Rosarito, you will need a valid drivers license, a passport, and a vehicle that is registered and insured. They reveal that young man died at the Hotel Rosarito Beach was due to an overdose. Trump did fare well with people at CPAC, though the conference was far more lackluster than when Trump attended as president, and there were many empty seats for many of the speakers. And the whole point of transgenderism is that it has nothing to do with biology. Blair died Saturday in Rosarito, Mexico, while celebrating his first wedding anniversary. . Privacy Policy | For corrections contact corrections@rawstory.com, for support contact support@rawstory.com. 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. There is no doubt that the route taxi is the most economical method of transportation, but unless you have a large enough group, you might find yourself in unfavorable company. Call for help right away if youre in a densely populated area. Elliot's smile was radiant and warmed the hearts of every person he came in contact with. ", First published on January 18, 2023 / 6:55 AM. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. The liaison indicated that the cause of death was severe head trauma and that the case had been forwarded to the district attorney's office to conduct a possible homicide investigation. Travelers should exercise caution when driving in Baja California and be aware of their surroundings at all times. According to the attorney generals office in Baja California, Blairs body had signs of alcohol. However, the family has disputed that notion. 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's tragic, untimely, and suspicious death has left his family and community with a huge hole in their hearts that will never be repaired. "I personally don't put a lot of credence in what the Mexican authorities say," John Jenks, private investigator and business partner of Blair's, told CBS Los Angeles. 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ALSO IN THE NEWS: 'Hate speech to genocide': Right-wing host uses CPAC stage to call for the eradication of transgender people. Mexican journalists are routinely murdered for reporting on crime, which makes documenting murders a dangerous challenge. 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. Rosarito motorcycle ride / Ride through the mountains / fun nature & tacos 12 Recommended Adventure Tours from $70.00 $63.00 per adult Rosarito City Tour & Taco Tasting 5 Bus Tours from $50.00 per adult Premium Valle de Guadalupe Wine and Food Tour 82 Recommended Bus Tours from $269.00 per adult 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. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. 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. 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. Did you encounter any technical issues? 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. He was found dead last Saturday on the property near the area of the stairs that lead to the parking lot, Mexican authorities said. Authorities ask those who want to report police officers to write down the number of the patrol that detained them, but in Rosarito, some units circulate without plates or number that identifies them. 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. All will be checked now! The grandfather remarked that their mission must be crucial because they normally avoid the dangers in residential areas after dark. Mexico is a relatively safe country to visit, with little restrictions on how one can drive. 1313. Mexican authorities told the Orange County Register that Blair fell from a third-story floor and that his death was accidental. But visitors are drawn to Rosarito Beach, a pretty Tijuana enclave 10 miles from the U.S. border. Blair's family plans to carry out an independent investigation, hiring a private investigator and a forensic pathologist, Scarsone said. Blairs family said that Mexican authorities have suggested that Blairs body be cremated. Family of Blair said they believed. 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. His wife, Kimberly, also worked for the public defenders office, Schwarz told the newspaper. 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. It is important to do your own research and make an informed decision before driving into any unfamiliar territory. . 2023 Cable News Network. Overall, driving to Rosarito is safe if youre prepared and aware of the risks. 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. Elliot Blair, an Orange County public defender, died Saturday. Elliot's smile was radiant and warmed the hearts of every person he came in contact with. They enjoyed dinner and dancing at a nearby restaurant then drove back to the resort. But his family said no one from the Rosarito Beach Police Department or any other Mexican officials have directly contacted the family, according to the statement. But Blairs body was embalmed without the familys permission, making a routine toxicology report impossible. We encourage travelers to read the entire advisory. 68 46. Tijuana, too, is relatively safe, but it is important to practice caution when traveling there. Orange County Public Defender Martin Schwarz referred CNN to Scarsone. The good thing is that they failed to assault. Elliots tragic, untimely, and suspicious death has left his family and community with a huge hole in their hearts that will never be repaired.. The State Department has issued a travel warning for Mexico, but notes that resort areas and tourist destinations like Rosarito Beach are typically safer than other parts of the country. "All donated funds will be used by Kim and Elliot's family in their search for answers and to help Kim with any personal finances as she grieves her Elliot.". 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. Williams says the police wanted to be paid or they would ticket the couple. 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. Ahntastic Adventures in Silicon Valley Please see our Mexico Travel Advisory for more information on travel safety in Mexico. There are few police officers in Rosarito due to its small size. 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. While the drive itself is relatively safe, there are a few things you should know before making the trip. John Gress/Corbis via Getty Images, State Department advisory: Reconsider travel. Al Sharptons old presidential campaign agreed to pay the government $21,250. Mnica Jimnez confirmed that the residents of the area who have been victims of these events have not denounced because they want to avoid the long lines that are made, but will seek to do it electronically with an application (App) that the Central Prosecutor made known to them in a meeting. 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. The Pacific resort town isnt home to some of the worst violence in Jalisco state, where its located. A fire twirler he Playa de los Muertos is seen at sunset in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico. One local outlet reported that Blair fell from the fourth floor of the hotel and may have been "under the influence of alcohol." Rosarito Beach Mayor Hilda Araceli Brown Figueredo did not respond to a request for comment. Their families argue that his body was not found underneath the couples rooms balcony or any other balcony at the resort, and that Blair was familiar with the layout at the resort and was fluent in Spanish. Its big draw is unique cuisine, gorgeous historic architecture and a vibrant visual arts scene. Blairs family hired a biomechanics and injury expert, Dr. Rami Hashish, to examine Blairs body. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Elliot Blair, 33, died at his hotel in Rosarito, Baja Mexico on Saturday. Playas de Rosarito.-. 1/19/2023. Men should carry their wallets in a jacket pocket rather than the rear pants'. 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. 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. Elliot had an innate ability to connect with people from all walks of life.". The United States government has issued a warning aboutserious risks when visiting Tijuana and Rosarito, Baja California. Elliot was known for a smile on his face and a clever mind, the site reads. h. Elliot was found in his underwear, his sleeping tee shirt, and socks. f . 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. They allege that Blair died in a "tragic accident" at the Las Rocas Resort. 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. Here's what we know. 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. Youll want to take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings. The fundraiser which has exceed its goal of $100,000 was set up to help Blairs family return his body to the US. Some Mexican highways are targeted by outlaws who block the roads with burning tires or rubble so they can rob drivers. Gunmen pursued a visitor into a hotel before realizing they mistook him for someone they apparently wanted to shoot. j. Read the Blair family's full statement here: "The family of Elliot Blair is absolutely reeling from the tragic death of this amazing young man who was in Rosarito Beach celebrating his first wedding anniversary. "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.". Third, youll need to have your car insured for driving in Mexico. i. Scarsone has said Blair was not intoxicated and a toxicology report had not been completed. The town of Rosarito in Mexico is a popular tourist destination for those looking for a sun-drenched vacation. LOGIN Subscribe . To keep you safe, keep an eye out for tourist-friendly areas in Rosarito. fourth, you should be aware of the crime rate in Rosarito. The safety and security of those areas have deteriorated to a level three. 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. Drug violence has surged in the coastal resort in recent years. Williams denies that. "He was the victim of a brutal crime," says a GoFundMe set up for Blair's wife, Kim, who is also a public defender. 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. ", 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 liaison had told them a toxicology report had not been completed, they said. A Warner Bros. The crimes are not typically committed by tourists on the weekends or during the day. There is a wide range of top-tier restaurants offering world-class cuisine in this city. Then it never did. "We stand ready to provide all appropriate consular assistance," the department said in a statement Wednesday. 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. Tijuana, located in the northern part of Mexico, is a city. Neighbors in the area confirmed that on different occasions, the authority has placed retaining walls to block these accesses and the resulting damages, however, they are constantly removed as shown in the photographs. 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. ", He wasn't much easier on traditional Republicans, whom he ripped as "freaks, neocons, globalist open borders zealots and fools. The liaison had told them a toxicology report had not been completed, they said. Rosarito has served as a haven for celebrities and royalty for more than 80 years. The Spanish-language publication Noticias BC reported that a man of Blairs description fell from a fourth-floor hotel room. > Rosarito vs Mexico City. ", Saturday does not mark the first time Knowles' has used this anti-transgender rhetoric. However, it is important to use common sense and take precautions when traveling anywhere. Establish an operational plan to improve the security of the area that includes: National Guard.-Permanent preventive patrolling in the section of the highway that runs from the Playas de Tijuana booth to Playas de Rosarito.- Install preventive filters in the south to north and north to south accesses on the highway, prioritizing the hours of highest crime incidence.- Intervene in all vehicles that circulate with expired license plates, without license plates or commit traffic offenses. 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. As tensions continue to rise between the United States and Mexico, many Americans are wondering if it is still safe to travel to our southern neighbor. Hashish said bruising and scrapes indicated that Blair had been dragged along the ground at some point. If you live on the American side of the border, you should leave your vehicles and avoid walking in areas where you are more likely to be tailed by criminals. 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. Some areas of Mexico have an increased risk of crime and kidnapping. h. Elliot was found in his underwear, his sleeping tee shirt, and socks. public defenders death was an unfortunate accident, Mexican authorities say, Desperate mountain residents trapped by snow beg for help; We are coming, sheriff says, Look up: The 32 most spectacular ceilings in Los Angeles, Hidden illegal casinos are booming in L.A., with organized crime reaping big profits, 19 cafes that make L.A. a world-class coffee destination, David Lindley, guitarist best known for work with Jackson Browne, dies at 78, Newsom, IRS give Californians until October to file tax returns, This fabled orchid breeder loves to chat just not about Trader Joes orchids, Calmes: Heres what we should do about Marjorie Taylor Greene, Best coffee city in the world? The best international beach bargain around! A spokeswoman for Las Rocas Resort said the hotel has been working closely with local authorities and declined to comment further. Williams has been told multiple versions of what happened to Blair.