2 Americans kidnapped in Mexico found dead, 2 others transported to Texas hospital

TAMAULIPAS, Mexico (TCD) -- Two of four Americans who crossed the border for a medical procedure were found dead this week following a shootout and kidnapping.

On March 3, the four Americans crossed the border into Tamaulipas in a white minivan with North Carolina license plates, according to the U.S. Embassy in Mexico. Not long after they entered Mexico, gunmen opened fire on the vehicle and all four were kidnapped and "taken from the scene by armed men."

The Associated Press confirmed March 7 that two of the victims were killed and one was wounded. One of the four people in the group reportedly planned on getting tummy tuck surgery while in Tamaulipas.

The Associated Press reports Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador said one suspect was taken into custody and one Mexican woman died in the gunfire. The group of four was reportedly taken following a shootout between rival cartels.

According to CNN, Latavia "Tay" Washington McGee scheduled the surgery and traveled to Mexico with Zindell Brown, Shaeed Woodard, and Eric Williams. The four were close friends from South Carolina, and the surviving victims have reportedly been transported back to a hospital in Brownsville, Texas, for treatment.

Williams reportedly suffered a gunshot wound to the leg and Washington McGee was not injured. CNN reports Browns and Woodard were killed.

The victims were reportedly located in a "wooden house" near Matamoros, according to CNN, which cites Tamaulipas Gov. Américo Villareal. A 24-year-old was reportedly conducting "surveillance functions of the victims" when he was taken into custody.

MORE:

• 2 kidnapped Americans found dead in Mexico, 2 others alive - The Associated Press
• 2 Americans dead, 2 found alive in Mexico kidnapping - CNN
• FBI Seeks Public Help in Locating U.S. Citizens - U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Mexico