Missing Teacher in North Carolina Killed in Mexico by Drug Dealer: Governor

A teacher at a North Carolina high school who was reportedly missing in Mexico last month was murdered by a local drug dealer, authorities said, ending a desperate week-long search between his family and his family. friends.

Patrick Braxton-Andrew, 34, taught Spanish at a private school in Mooresville, about 30 km north of Charlotte. He traveled regularly to Latin America and was traveling alone in the state of Chihuahua when he disappeared on October 28 during a walk in the afternoon in the Urica city, announced his family.

"The owner of the hotel said that he had never come back from his walk. Someone saw him walking by a ranch Sunday afternoon, "said his father, Gary Andrew, in a post shared with his son's alma mater, Davidson College.

A search took place after he did not meet his brother as scheduled on October 30 in Mexico City, his father said.

In a statement released on Sunday, Chihuahua Governor Javier Corral said Braxton-Andrew was killed by drug trafficker José Noriel Portillo Gil, also known as "El Chueco" (Crooked), in a area controlled by the powerful Sinaloa cartel. This organized crime gang was led by the infamous drug dealer Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman until his arrest. It is unclear whether Braxton-Andrew was killed directly by Portillo Gil or one of his associates.

"From the progress of the investigation, I can say that it was a cowardly and brutal murder, of a totally innocent person, a pure man who had the misfortune to cross this criminal. ", said Corral in Spanish.

On Saturday, a post on a Facebook page created following the death of Braxton-Andrew announced that his body had been found and that he would be sent home.

Senator Thom Tillis (CR), who participated in the raid, announced Saturday that he would continue to work with the state department and other federal officials while the forces of the United States. Mexican order would continue their investigation into the death of Braxton-Andrew.

Corral called for justice after talking to Braxton-Andrew's father to inform him of his son's fate.

"We do not distinguish the value of life among people, but it is clear that when you attack innocent people who have nothing to do with criminal groups, or criminal gang disputes, these cases of good people should be considered a priority. and they should never go unpunished, "said Corral.

The State Department is urging US citizens to be more cautious if they travel to Mexico, with some areas at higher risk of crime than others. It is inadvisable to travel to Chihuahua because the department has classified the area as a Level 3 threat – the highest being Level 4 – due to widespread violent crime and gang activity.

"While most killings appeared to be targeted, killings of criminal organizations and internal conflicts between criminal groups have resulted in violent crime in areas frequented by US citizens. Witnesses were injured or killed in shooting incidents, "says the department's website for the area.