"Slain U.S. missionary was fleeing cartel gunmen with husband."

Here is an excerpt from Jared Taylor's article in The Monitor:

"A police officer watched the blue Chevrolet pickup truck speed against traffic toward the checkpoint at the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge shortly after noon Wednesday. Inside was Sam Davis and his wife, Nancy, who was still alive after suffering a gunshot to her head about 70 miles south of the Rio Grande, police said. Police and U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers called an ambulance, which rushed the 59-year-old missionary to McAllen Medical Center. She died at 1:54 p.m. Wednesday. The rural Monte Alto couple worked as missionaries in Mexico for more than three decades... The couple was returning from a mission near San Fernando, about 70 miles south of Reynosa, police said.On the outskirts of the city of about 30,000 residents, the missionaries encountered a drug cartel checkpoint and refused to stop, authorities said. Several men in a black pickup truck tailed the couple past the impromptu checkpoint and opened fire. Sources said at least five gunshots struck the back of the missionaries’ pickup truck, leaving it 'riddled with bullets.' The missionaries may have been fortunate to escape the region and avoid kidnapping." Link to Full Article

Analysis: This is one of the more tragic stories I've heard related to Mexico in a while, and that's saying something, considering everything that's going on right now. These folks had been working in Mexico for 30 years, just to have this horrible nightmare happen to them. The incident highlights a few drug war issues.

First is the DTO "unofficial" checkpoint. I get a LOT of emails from people planning to travel to Mexico, and asking me if certain parts of the country are safe. I try to answer as best I can, but I'm not familiar with every town and every road and highway. Even if I were, the locations where DTOs set up these checkpoints change pretty often. I don't know how familiar the Davises were with the narco situation in Tamaulipas, but it was obviously a bad - and sadly, fatal - decision to blow through the checkpoint. This is why having situational awareness of your destination in Mexico isn't enough; you have to find out what's happening on the route you plan to use to get there. I can't stress enough that if you plan to travel to Mexico - particularly to a non-resort or rural area within 100 miles of a narco hot spot, you should contact the closest US Consulate in Mexico to ask them what the security situation is. I can try to help you and offer advice, but only to an extent.

Second, I'm more than a little concerned that the gunmen just started indiscriminately spraying the Davises' truck with bullets without knowing who was inside. But you know what? I have a feeling that even if they knew there were two American missionaries in their fifties sitting in that truck, they wouldn't have cared. Because they blew through the checkpoint, I'm sure the gunmen assumed it was members of a rival cartel or someone else who deserved to get shot for not stopping. Most Mexicans know better than to blow through a checkpoint, official or not, so the Davises' behavior likely came off as more than a little suspicious.

So what does this imply for Americans doing God's work - or any other work or pleasurable activity, for that matter - in Mexico? Well, don't automatically assume that you're out of harm's way because (a) you're American, and (b) you're doing something kind and charitable for the people of Mexico. DTOs don't give a rat's behind about who you are or what you're doing in their country. If you get in their way and don't follow their rules, you're a viable target, case closed. 

I tell anyone who plans to do any sort of driving in Mexico to ALWAYS stop at checkpoints, and always have some cash on hand to pay the inevitable bribe. Often, that's not enough. You have to read up (plenty of others' experiences on the 'net...do a Google search) on how to specifically offer the bribe to get going on your way and avoid getting arrested if it's a police checkpoint...and eventually having to pay a bigger bribe to avoid going to jail. DTOs will normally not mess with an American after collecting said bribe. I'm a big fan of the author's work (Hi Jared!), but I have to disagree with his statement that the Davises' were lucky to escape being kidnapped. Yes, we're seeing more Mexican politicians, businessmen, and migrants being kidnapped for ransom - especially by Los Zetas. However, we have yet to see any innocent Americans taken by the DTOs, probably because of the political/diplomatic firestorm that would ensue. Can you imagine the response if Los Zetas posted some sort of proof of life on YouTube for two American missionaries in their late fifties? But maybe I'm being naïve to assume our government would aggressively step in; they might take the same non-negotiation stance with organized crime that they do with terrorists.

Regardless, this is a tragic ending to a horrific story that all Americans with interests in Mexico would be wise to read about. I will remind readers again that there are still plenty of places in Mexico that are safe to visit for vacations and business trips. However, road trips in Tamaulipas, Nuevo León, Chihuahua, Durango, Michoacán, and a few other places are ill-advised. Remember, the State Department is your friend when it comes to reading up before you go...use them.

*UPDATE* I just finished reading this report from CNN, and it looks like the Davises didn't blow a DTO checkpoint after all. It seems that while they were driving, narcos in three trucks tried to box them in so they could get the Davises to pull over and then steal their truck. One of the three trucks wasn't successful in getting in front of the Davises' truck, so someone driving parallel to them fired a couple of shots at them; one of which caught Nancy in the back of the head, and at least one more that lodged itself in the truck. 

When I read earlier reports of the truck being sprayed by dozens of bullets, it didn't make sense that narcos would shoot up a truck they wanted to steal. This account - straight from Nancy's husband, I believe - makes more sense and is infinitely more plausible. My analysis still stands; questionable checkpoints are still out there, and carjackings like this one are occurring with more frequency.

Comments

[anoymous_hero]

The US should send the BATF down to Mexico to help enact stricter gun controls so this does not happen again.

[P]

A very sad outcome for two missionaries who dedicated their whole life to helping people in Mexico. They surely must have known about the risks of driving near Reynosa ... it must be common knowledge in that area. Better planning could have helped them avoid a tragedy.

Would the Zeta's really have allowed them to pass a checkpoint - for the sake of a small bribe? I wonder. Where are the Mexican police and the Army ... when it comes to dismantling these illegal checkpoints? Nowhere to be found ... apparently.

P.

[Thor]

Goes to show, Americans need to keep their asses home and worry about those in need here! If Mexico wants to be a third world nation, if it's citizens aren't willing to stand up for their own rights, if it's own government won't battle the cartels... then let it burn!

[Scott]

Great Analysis Sylvia..I drove through Tamaulipas this past Summer, and found myself cringing everytime we had to go through a "Checkpoint"!! Is this going to be the Military or a DTO!!?

It really is the luck of the draw..also being retired from the Military, at some point in time I would not be surprised if the DTO's actually start targeting Americans connected to the Government to send a messege to "back off" in the USA's efforts in aiding the Mexican Goverment in their battle against the DTO's! What are your thoughts on that possibly happening in the future??

[Sylvia Longmire]

@Scott - I think it would backfire if the DTOs tried to send that kind of message by targeting Americans. We're already providing an unprecedented level of support, and Mexico is asking for an unprecedented amount of help. If there were ever an excuse for the Mexican government to cave and allow US personnel - whether military or contractor - the targeting of US citizens would be it. I don't think the DTOs want that to happen.

[Will]

Mexico is out of control. I dont think any part is safe. I think you're gambling if you cross the border. I think if you pay a bribe, you're just asking for it, cause then they'll think you have more money and things for you will get worse. Just my thoughts. I just read an artical in the El Paso Times about and entire police force resigning because of the beheadings of two fellow officers. Will you be writing on this?

[Sylvia Longmire]

@Will - I probably won't, because there's really not much to say. There are dozens of these stories, where entire police departments (usually comprised of less than ten officers) resign because of threats or actual violence directed against their officers. It's just another fact of life in Mexico these days.

[P]

I don't think it's possible for Americans to just write off Mexico ... and hope that those troubles stay south of the border. I think that is wishful thinking. We do owe a great debt to the people of the US Border Patrol who keep us safe - but there is only so much that they can do.

The northern half of Mexico has become a "failed state". Parts of that territory are now as dangerous as towns in Iraq. I don't think it's possible for the USA to have that kind of lawlessness just south of our border, and imagine that we can stay detached up here. More likely ... we will see the same kind of crimes start to happen in the USA. More drugs. Kidnappings. Especially as this Great Recession drags on, and cities in the USA are forced to lay off policemen and emergency workers. There is a risk of disintegration of our own social fabric within America.

At this stage Mexico needs to legalize gun ownership for all its citizens. What do they have to lose? The cartels are armed to the teeth. At least they should allow the average people on the streets some chance to defend themselves.

The loss of the US missionary was tragic - because American churches have been doing so much to help people and orphanages in Mexico. There has been a lot of great humanitarian work done south of the border. Unfortunately, this incident is likely to discourage further efforts - perhaps a lot. And this will only hurt the poor citizens in Mexico even more.

P.

[Mike]

Sylvia thanks for the great information that you have posted regarding this terrible situation in Mexico. Your analysis is thorough and quite practical. I have travelled in Mexico estensively and I am very familiar with the Hwy. 100 corridor between the South Texas border and San Fernando. Several things that people need to know regarding this area is that it is an absolutely desolate stretch of land and was dangerous even before the cartels began warring. Traveller's must use simple common sense.

1. Simply don't go if there is not an absolute need to be there.
2. If you must go, take a bus or other form of public transportation.
3. If you take a vehicle, choose older model vehicles, maybe even an "ugly" one. You will be less of a target.
4. Update loved ones or business associates on a regular basis on your location, destination, ETA's, etc.
5. Do NOT dress in a manner that would be "flashy". This means don't wear expensvie clothing, excessive jewelry, etc. This screams MONEY and will make you a target.
6. Avoid stopping at restaurants to dine. Rather pack food for your trip.
7. Never be on the road, period, in Mexico after dark.
8. If possible travel in caravans and try to stay with traffic instead of isolating your vehicle.

It is quite obvious by now that the cartels have no regard for human life. They are growing more and more brazen in their attacks because their reign of terror has gone unchecked. If you are stopped, ran off the road, or chased, you will have to make quick decisions. It is important o know that these men are often under the influence of drugs and alcohol which adds to the volatility. Do not try to be a Hero. Do not look them in the eyes. Comply with their requests. Remember, money, vehicles, jewelry, etc. can be replaced, but as we have seen this past week, a life cannot be.

I know many missionaries in Mexico and I understand what drives and motivates them. A sense of destiny, calling, a passion, and a compassion for others compels them to do what they do in the face of these dangers. Having said that, I also believe in the use of common sense. It is not wise to tempt fate. I am quite sure that God is capable of meeting the needs of the people they are helping, and would not "fault" them in any way for taking a brief furlow from their duties until things stabilize in the country.

Your blog is very informative and factual. Thank you for shedding light on the issues at hand.