Video: Authorities in Mexico are investigating the murder of an elderly couple from Ontario, believe to have been killed during a robbery at their home. Mike Le Couteur has the details.
Authorities believe a Canadian couple found dead in their home in Mexico were murdered during a robbery.
Local officials in the community of Ajijic, about 55 kilometres southeast of Guadalajara, confirmed to Global News a gardener found the bodies of an elderly man and woman late Sunday morning.
Police in Ajijic said the victims were 84-year-old Edward Kular, of Toronto, and 72-year-old* Nina Discombe, of Ottawa.
Ajijic, in the municipality of Chapala, is a popular destination for Canadian and American retirees.
Kular and Discombe reportedly arrived in the community six months ago.
Roberto Arroyo, director of communications for the municipal government of Chapala, said the couple lived in a secure, private neighbourhood called La Floresta.
Arroyo could not confirm all details of the investigation, but he told Global News it’s believed Kular suffered a “strong blow to the head” and Discombe sustained injuries after being attacked with a kitchen knife.
He said investigators believe there were at least two people involved in the robbery and murder.
Arroyo said a vehicle with Ontario licence plates was taken from the couple’s residence.
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Police have not yet confirmed what articles may have been taken from their home.
According to a local media report, Discombe and Kular had accompanied friends to Guadalajara’s Miguel Hidalgo International Airport Saturday evening and had returned home around 8:15 p.m.
Police believe the thieves entered their home in the early hours of Sunday morning.
The Guadalajara Reporter said police found a window in the home had been smashed out, but later found a ladder leaned against a wall adjacent to the roof of Discombe and Kular’s home.
The Dept. of Foreign Affairs confirmed it is aware of the couple’s murder and working with the victims’ families.
“Our thoughts are with the family of the two deceased individuals in Mexico. Canadian officials are providing assistance to family members during this difficult time and are in contact with local authorities,” said Saro Khatchadourian, press secretary for Lynn Yelich, Minister of State (Foreign Affairs).
*Ed. note: An earlier version of this story indicated Nina Discombe’s age was 67 years old. That age was based on information provided by a police sources and local news report, but several other local and Canadian organizations are reporting Discombe was 72 years old.
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