It had been a week since the alert went out here in San Pedro la Laguna regarding a young backpacker that went missing. For a week, the community rallied and looked for this young girl. Exactly a week from her going missing, yesterday it was announced that her body had been found. She was dead. Some reports say that there was foul play and others deny foul play. It’s unknown the cause of death. This beautiful, vibrant 23 y/o British girl….
For the first time since I’ve been traveling, I honestly feel fear. I found myself suspicious of every local that I passed on my way home last night. My breathing shallow and quick as I unlocked the gate to my rental house. I locked myself in last night and every time I passed a window, I questioned if someone was ‘out there’ stalking me in the dark. I slept fit-fullly as every noise I heard put me on high alert.
I want to play the blame the victim game. She should have gotten an escort. She should have made sure someone knew where she was. She never should have gone alone. But no matter how much those things might be a part of the incident, the fact is this young beautiful woman was murdered. The authorities and government know that this is an issue. They will tell you NOT to go to this area due to ‘banditos’. All of the locals and the expats will also tell you that it’s not safe to go alone – she should have listened. But more so than that – THEY (authorities) should do something about this. Why aren’t the local police and government controlling this situation?
Why? This girl reportedly didn’t have any money or valuables on her. From what I’ve read, she was climbing to the peak to watch the sunrise – a beautiful and normally peaceful activity. She posed no threat to anyone. She didn’t have anything to steal. Yet, she was (possibly) killed. What gain does anyone get out of such a heinous act? And again why aren’t THEY doing something about this? (Updated to add that there is an investigation in progress). My point being, everyone here knows that this area (Indian Nose) is not safe, yet there is a huge draw for tourists to climb for the Sunrise Views. What can be done to make this a safe activity for the tourists that come to explore this beautiful country?
Guatemala is a beautiful country, with a multitude of kind and caring people, beautiful vistas, and year round spring-like weather. I want to love it here…but now, it’s tainted. It’s forever tarnished with the hint of fear that’s left behind by this event.
A Re-Discovered Life 