According to local and U.S. State Department reports a Chicago teenager is in an unconscious coma while three members of his family are dead. The group was shot last week in Mexico when they were on vacation.
A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department confirmed Thursday, without naming the victims that two U.S. Citizens were killed in Durango state in north-central Mexico and one minor was injured.
According to Julie Contreras of the nonprofit organization, which is working closely alongside his family, the 14-year-old has been identified by him as Jason Pena. Contreras, in a Thursday night statement, said that the teen was taken from Mexico to an American hospital for lifesaving treatment.
The teen was with his father Vicente Pena Jr. (38 years old), his uncle Antonio “Tony” Fernandez (44 years old), and another member of his family who lives in Mexico Jorge Eduardo Vargas Aguirre (22) on Friday. Local media reported that all three men were killed in the shooting.
The family traveled to the city to celebrate their teen’s 14th birthday, according to WMAQ-TV. The 14-year-old has been put in a medically induced coma.
WMAQ-TV, citing local authorities said that the family was riding in an SUV with Illinois plates when someone attacked them. The motive for the attack was not immediately known on Thursday.
Durango officials didn’t immediately respond to comments.
Mexican authorities are investigating the incident. The U.S. State Department has said that it has been in contact with the families of victims.
The agency stated that “when a U.S. Citizen dies abroad, we provide consular assistance to their legal representative, family members, and next-of-kin.” “Depending on the circumstances, this may include notifying the next of kin or providing information about local burial options, as well as the return of remains to the United States.”
The agency also said that the department helps to prepare a Consular Report on the Death of an American Citizen Abroad.
Grandfather describes shooting as a “massacre”
Vicente Pena, the boy’s grandpa, told WMAQ-TV that their family had been devastated by the shooting.
“I am devastated that they have wiped out my family,” he said to the outlet. “It was an act of terrorism …. because my son was shot in the head four times and once in his shoulder.”
Maria Elena Hernandez, the teenager’s maternal grandma, spoke with the outlet using a translator. She said that the family is seeking justice.
His grandmother said, “My child is very studious.” “He’s studying boxing.” “Thank God he won’t leave us, but insurance will no longer be provided for him.”
WMAQ-TV spoke with Contreras who founded a non-profit called United Giving Hope. The nonprofit assists those who have active immigration cases in the U.S. as well as Mexico, Central America Central America, South America, and other countries.
Contreras spoke previously to WMAQ-TV as well as WLS-TV and stated that her organization would help the family bring the teen back to the U.S.
“As you may imagine, this is a nightmare situation for his mother,” Contreras said to WLS-TV.
Local authorities told the outlet that violent crime has increased in the area.
The U.S. State Department stated that “Durango has been placed on Exercise Increased Caution Level 2 Travel Advisory due to Crime.”
Durango Public Safety officials announced that on December 6, they believe Durango is now “a safe, developing state,” and “is considered to be among the top five peaceful states in the nation,” citing Mexico Peace Index 2024.
The department reports that 67,545 crime prevention and deterrence measures were implemented in the past year.
The department stated that “Durango is now a benchmark in the country for security. This is reflected by new investments and an increase in tourism. Visitors feel safe and this is fundamental for the economic development of the region and the wellbeing of its population.”
The department reported that it had located 258 women previously reported as missing, with a 96% success in finding them.
Contreras, a news outlet, said that Jason Pena is the only survivor from Friday’s incident. He leaves behind his little brother.
In two weeks, his family plans to bury both his father and uncle in Chicago.
In a statement released Thursday evening, Contreras stated that she prays for his recovery and healing.
She wrote: “This effort would not have been possible without the dedication of so many people, including Senator Tammy Duckworth and Congressman Jesus Garcia as well as the U.S. Department of State and Attorney John Lechuga, who all worked together at the local and federal level.” “We are grateful to all those who helped make this happen.”