Cancun, Quintana Roo – Authorities in Quintana Roo, Mexico, are continuing their search for María Belén Zerda, a 38-year-old Argentine tourist who has been missing in Cancún since April 6th. While the search enters its eleventh day, the State Attorney General’s Office has officially ruled out kidnapping as a potential cause for her disappearance.
According to statements released by the judicial body on social media, preliminary investigations and witness testimonies suggest that Zerda suffers from schizophrenia. Witnesses reported seeing her enter a jungle area during what appeared to be an episode related to her condition. This information has led authorities to focus their search efforts on this specific terrain within the municipality of Benito Juárez, where Cancún is located.
“Preliminary investigations rule out the possibility of her being illegally deprived of her liberty, since, according to witnesses, the woman suffers from schizophrenia and ran into a jungle area during an episode of this illness,” the Attorney General’s Office stated.
Despite the ruling out of kidnapping, the situation remains a serious concern, and authorities are dedicating significant resources to locating Zerda as quickly as possible. The Attorney General’s Office has emphasized that search operations are actively underway in the area where she was last seen.
To aid in the search, the Quintana Roo State Prosecutor’s Office has released a detailed search file containing crucial information about Zerda. The file describes her as being 1.70 meters tall, weighing 50 kilograms, and having long, straight, blond hair. A distinctive physical feature noted in the file is a 3-millimeter mole located on her left ankle. On the day she went missing, Zerda was reportedly wearing a sleeveless top, light denim shorts, and white and green Crocs shoes.
The Attorney General’s Office has urged the public to come forward with any information that could assist in locating María Belén Zerda. They have provided a dedicated telephone number, 998 881 7150, extension 2130, for individuals to share any relevant details regarding her whereabouts.
In a move highlighting the urgency and concern surrounding Zerda’s disappearance, the Attorney General’s Office recently activated the Alba Protocol. This is an immediate coordination mechanism specifically designed for the search and location of missing women and girls in Mexico. The activation of this protocol underscores the commitment of the authorities to ensuring Zerda’s safe return.
The disappearance of María Belén Zerda has undoubtedly caused distress to her family and the Argentine community. While the focus of the investigation has shifted away from kidnapping, the vulnerability of an individual experiencing a schizophrenic episode in an unfamiliar environment raises significant concerns about her safety and well-being. The jungle terrain, while not explicitly described in detail by authorities, can present various challenges and potential dangers for someone who may be disoriented or unwell.
The coming days will be critical in the search efforts. Authorities will likely be employing various strategies, including ground searches, aerial surveillance (if feasible), and potentially involving specialized teams trained in navigating jungle environments. The information provided by witnesses regarding Zerda’s mental health condition will undoubtedly play a crucial role in guiding the search strategy, focusing on areas where someone in a disoriented state might seek refuge or become lost.
The activation of the Alba Protocol signifies a heightened level of inter-agency cooperation and public awareness efforts. This protocol often involves disseminating information about the missing person through various channels, including media outlets and public service announcements, to maximize the chances of receiving valuable leads from the community.
As the search continues, the thoughts of many are with María Belén Zerda and her family. The hope remains that she will be found safe and sound, and that the efforts of the Quintana Roo authorities, coupled with potential information from the public, will lead to a positive resolution in this concerning case. The focus now is on thoroughly searching the identified jungle area and ensuring that all possible avenues are explored to bring the young Argentine tourist home.
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