American and Mexican Officials Search for Three Missing Texan Women

By Kimberly James; WBAP and KLIF News, Dallas, Texas.

DALLAS, TEXAS. (WBAP/KLIF) The search for three American women reported missing in Mexico just across the border from Texas is reported to involve several police agencies in Mexico with the use of drones and search dogs, as well as some work or leads developed by federal U.S. and Texan law enforcement agencies. The women were last seen crossing the border in Texas February 24th, headed to a flea market in Montemorelos, about a three hour drive from the border. Relatives report the trio were going to sell clothing. At least two of the women, the Rios sisters, are reported to be from the small Texas border town of Penitas. The state prosecutor’s office is reported as stating they’d been investigating the women’s disappearance since Monday, March the 6th.

The episode stands in great contrast to the U.S. and Mexican government and media frenzy concerning the shooting of four American tourists in Matamoros, across the border from Brownsville. In that event, two Americans were killed, one wounded, with the bodies of the pair held with the other victims in a shed, near the border as well. Later, a note left in public and attributed to the Gulf Cartel, announced the turning over of four alleged gunmen involved, stating they acted “without permission” and were being turned over for misbehavior according to cartel “law”.

A massive search for the four Matamoros shooting victims was launched with squads of Mexican soldiers and National Guard troops. In contrast, there has been little public comment from U.S. officials concerning the disappearance of the three Texan women. At least 112,000 Mexicans are reported missing nationwide south of the border; many of them women, and in most cases, with only family members searching for them. Many of the missing are never reported as missing, with Mexicans for years now fearful of making reports; suspecting cartel involvement, and Mexican authorities acknowledging they can’t begin to identify thousands of homicide victim bodies that have been located.

The missing are identified as 47 year old Maritza Trinidad Perez Rios, 48 year old Marina Perez Rios; sisters; and a friend, 53 year old Dora Alicia Cervantes Saenz.