Violent deaths increase in Merida and Yucatan this year

183 violent deaths in just three months of 2017. 

MERIDA — The first months of 2017 have been the most tragic in many years, because there has been already a record of 183 violent deaths in Yucatan, including intentional homicides and suicides.

Merida as the capital of the state has the largest population in the region. The city by itself concentrates more than 50% of deaths. The statistics concern the authorities due to the remarkable increase of violent deaths in comparison to previous years.

As of April 26, 111 people had lost their lives in traffic accidents on federal and state highways, compared with 75 deaths at this point last year, reflecting an increase of 32%.

The last one occurred April 26 morning at kilometer 21 of the federal highway Mérida-Progreso, where a woman lost her life after being struck by a vehicle on their motorcycle.

According to data from the Federal Police, the Mérida-Cancún highway is the most dangerous of the state because, so far this year, it has recorded at least 12 deaths due to a traffic accident; it is followed by the Mérida-Progreso, Merida-Campeche and Merida-Tizimín highways.

With regard to state roads, the periphery of Mérida is the most dangerous and deadly route, registering six deaths due to traffic accidents.

Among the most common causes of fatal accidents are speeding, driving tired or drunk, or using a cell-phone; fewer accidents are related to mechanical failures. Most of the deceased motorists are between the ages of 18 and 40.

There is also an increase compared to last year in intentional homicides.

As of April 26, 22 crimes have been registered in the state, which represents an increase of 36% compared to 2016, when until the end of April there were 14. Gratefully, the percentage of effectiveness in the resolution of the homicides is greater than 90%.

That is, the percentage of intentional homicides (premeditated) and negligent (accidentally or recklessly) so far in 2017 has increased 68% compared to the same period in 2016.

So far, the most complex crime, according to the authorities, was the execution of Emma Gabriela Molina Canto, which is already largely solved, only lacking the detention of an alleged participant who is a fugitive.

With regard to suicides, as of April 26, 50 people had taken their lives, a figure similar to that recorded in the same period last year.

Source: yucatan.com.mx