Police in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, are probing the murders of three young women found dead in the popular vacation hotspot, fearing the cases could be linked.

04:12, Wed, May 27, 2026 Updated: 04:25, Wed, May 27, 2026

Victim

Local reports suggest the unidentified deceased may be 22-year-old Elizabeth Martinez (Image: Newsflash)

A popular holiday destination in Mexico is believed to have a serial killer at large, according to local authorities.

Puerto Vallarta, a coastal resort town frequently visited by large numbers of tourists, has been rocked by the murders of three young women, local police have confirmed. As investigators examine the cases, they believe the killings could be the work of a serial killer.

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All of the victims were aged between their early-20s and mid-30s and had body tattoos, leading officials to suspect a possible link between the homicides.

The bodies were also found partially unclothed. The first victim was discovered on 10th May near a well-known area called Rancho El Piruli, while the second was found at a roadside stop along a highway approximately a week later.

Three women found dead in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

The most recent victim was located in the Parque Las Palmas neighbourhood. While she has not been officially identified, local reports suggest she may be 22 year old Elizabeth Martinez.

Martinez, a Mexican national, vanished in April. Her tattoos matched the description of those found on the victim, according to the country's missing persons search commission.

The dead female reportedly had a prominent tattoo covering her neck, hand, and arm, featuring a skull, a woman with horns, and a name.

Authorities believe this detail could assist with identification. The body also reportedly bore signs of violence, according to the Daily Mail.

Puerto Vallarta in Mexico

All three women, whose bodies were found in Puerto Vallarta, were undressed and had tattoos (Image: Getty Images)

All three women had body tattoos

Authorities have yet to establish whether the cases are linked to a serial killer, but are currently examining evidence, surveillance footage, and police reports to determine whether the deaths are connected.

Mexico City, the nation's capital, is broadly regarded as very safe and remains a popular destination for American tourists owing to its close proximity.

However, Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco state, serves as a hub for cartel organisations.

"I think the best advice is, of course, to monitor how the situation evolves," Mario Braga, a Latin American security expert, told the Daily Mail. "It can quickly change, and there can be triggers that lead to an escalation of violence.

"If you are in a different country, it's important to understand the kind of local dynamics that may help mitigate these security risks," Braga stated while urging tourists to avoid venturing out alone after dark and, if driving, to identify which neighbourhoods are safe and which ought to be avoided.

He further recommended seeking advice from locals to establish which modes of transport or travel routes are safest for visitors to the region.