Three women were found dead in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, in May, prompting public concern and speculation about the possible existence of a serial femicide case. Activists and some media outlets, including foreign ones, have raised alarm over the repeated discovery of women’s bodies and the possibility of violent deaths. However, the Jalisco State Prosecutor’s Office says that, so far, its investigations have not produced evidence pointing to a serial attacker.
The most recent case was reported on Thursday, May 21, when the body of a woman was discovered on a dirt road leading to Camino Viejo a Mojoneras, near the Parque Las Palmas neighborhood. Authorities believe the victim may be Elizabeth Galindo Martínez, 22, who had been reported missing in Mexico State. Earlier, on May 15, another woman was found at a roadside stop on the road to Mismaloya. She was estimated to be between 35 and 40 years old. A third body was found on May 10 near the Rancho El Pirulí viewpoint, also showing possible signs of violence.
In a statement released on Wednesday, May 27, the prosecutor’s office said that, in the three deaths recorded in Puerto Vallarta during May, “there are currently no objective elements or scientific evidence” to establish the presence of a serial aggressor targeting women in the municipality. The office said the cases from May 10, 15 and 21 are being investigated under the appropriate protocols, but that preliminary inquiries have not identified matching patterns between the incidents.
Officials added that the cause of death in one case was injuries from a sharp object, another showed indications of possible poisoning, and the preliminary cause in the third was drowning by immersion. The prosecutor’s office also urged the public to avoid spreading unconfirmed versions that could create misinformation or unnecessary panic.
While speculation continues, authorities said the investigations remain open and they are working to fully clarify what happened in each case. The prosecutor’s office said it remains committed to bringing those responsible to justice if evidence leads to criminal charges.
