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 News Around the Republic of Mexico | February 2007 
Taxi Fingered in Teen's Death in Mexico
 Augusta Dwyer - Globe and Mail
| | Adam DePrisco’s mother, Carm, grieves while Adam’s brother Tony, 24, gets comforted by his cousin Luisa Pannozzi at their home in Woodbridge last month. (Rick Eglinton/Toronto Star) |
Acapulco, Mexico — Police in Mexico have impounded a recently repaired taxi in connection with the death of Canadian teen Adam DePrisco.
The 19-year-old died last month while vacationing in Acapulco. Mexican authorities say his death came a few days after he was hurt in a hit-and-run collision, an explanation that does not satisfy his family in Woodbridge, Ont.
Enrique Gil Mercado, the regional prosecutor for the state attorney's office in Acapulco, a popular tourist destination for Canadians, confirmed on Friday that a vehicle normally rented by the day to taxi drivers was being examined for “any possible evidence that has remained on it.”
On the night Mr. DePrisco was injured, Mexican police believe the vehicle was being driven by Enrique Juarez Roldan. The man, who is known also by his nickname “el Chicle,” has vanished along with his family.
According to police sources, two transit police stopped the car on the road near the nightclub Mr. DePrisco had left shortly before being injured. A sum of money was allegedly paid and he was allowed to continue.
Later called to testify about the matter, the transit police were able to identify the car, which was found still being used as a taxi on the streets of Acapulco.
Mr. Roldan was being sought Friday night for questioning.
The family of Mr. DePrisco has repeatedly questioned the willingness of the Mexicans to investigate the case thoroughly. They believe that the young man was beaten to death after dancing with a local woman and that the Mexicans are using the car accident narrative as a cover-up.
The Mexican autopsy found Mr. DePrisco's injuries consistent with being hit by a vehicle, however. And the examination several days later in Toronto also concluded that he had been struck by a vehicle.
The car Mexican police have been examining, a green Tsuru, is being checked for any evidence connecting it to the case. Police are particularly keen to learn more about the reason for the recent repairs.
“The owner has been ordered to present himself for questioning about repairs that have been made to the car,” Mr. Gil Mercado said.
Police sources said that, although parts of the vehicle had been repainted, a dent could be seen near one of the wheels and the windshield showed signs of damage.
Mr. Gil Mercado did not respond directly when asked to confirm this.
“All that has still to be determined. Evidently the vehicle has been repaired and has indications that it was repaired recently,” he said.
“Right now we are letting the investigation take its course, and at the correct time we will give out all the information about it and all the details.” |
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