Drudge Report Focus: American Killed by Cartel Members at Border

Jack Phillips
9/25/2014
Updated:
7/18/2015

The Drudge Report’s focus for Friday is an article highlighting that an American citizen was beaten to death by alleged drug cartel members near the Texas-Mexico border.

The victim was apparently kidnapped and tortured just south of the border, reported Brietbart News.

Cameron County Sheriff Omar Lucio said that the two victims were identified as 38-year-old Erick Candanoza, and 25-year-old Carlos Vela Moreno, who are from Brownsville, Texas, and sell used cars.

They went south of the border with a vehicle they were trying to sell before the car overheated.

“They pulled over to the side of the road and that is when two vehicles with six or seven men carrying various firearms kidnapped them,” Lucio told Brietbart. “They took them to a wooded area away from any residences and began to beat them.”

Candanoza was beaten the worst, as he was apparently being targeted due to a dispute with a relative. The cartel members then took the two victims to a local hospital.

However, Candanoza died from his injuries. Vela survived and gave an interview to officials.

“Sadly enough the security threats continue in Mexico that is why I tell the public if you don’t have to go over there don’t go,” Lucio added. “And if you do have to go, go in the daytime and be very careful. I sure hope things calm down eventually.”

And a few days ago, officials seized liquid meth on another part of the Texas border worth $800,000.

The man was carrying the drug in fruit juice bottles.

CBP Port Director Joseph Misenhelter tells KSAT-TV (http://bit.ly/1v2HqGj ) the bottles were in plain sight on a bus at the U.S.-Mexico border. He says the passenger at the Laredo Port of Entry was carrying 10 bottles that contained nearly 25 pounds of the liquid. The 18-year-old man from Pasadena, California, was arrested Friday.

Authorities haven’t released the man’s identity. He was turned over to Homeland Security Investigations agents.

The Associated Press contributed.

Jack Phillips is a breaking news reporter with 15 years experience who started as a local New York City reporter. Having joined The Epoch Times' news team in 2009, Jack was born and raised near Modesto in California's Central Valley. Follow him on X: https://twitter.com/jackphillips5
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