No Arrests yet in Rape of Spanish Tourists in Acapulco

Arrests could come as early as this week in the alleged rape of six Spanish tourists in Acapulco, the lead investigator in the case said on Wednesday. Mexican authorities have identified the suspects and are monitoring them, said Marcos Juarez. Fifty investigators were working the case.

The six women were among 14 people victimized by hooded gunmen who burst into a beach bungalow in the resort town before dawn Monday. There are seven suspects between the ages of 20 and 30, Juarez said.

In addition to the rapes, the men stole cell phones, iPads and tennis shoes from the victims, investigators said. Investigators believe that the victims bought drugs from one or more of the suspects a day or two earlier, and that the victims knew the suspects, Juarez said.

The Spanish nationals range from 20 to 34 years of age and are under the protection of Mexican authorities in Mexico City. Seven men who were with the group were tied up with cell phone cables and bikini straps while the gunmen assaulted the six women, officials said.

A seventh woman, a Mexican, was spared because of her nationality, Guerrero state Attorney General Martha Garzon said in a radio interview.