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Serial killer fears are growing in a popular Mexican tourist hotspot after three women were found murdered in separate incidents within days of each other.
Police in Puerto Vallarta are now investigating possible links between the deaths as officers review surveillance footage, forensic evidence and witness reports.
All three victims were women believed to be in their early to mid-30s and had tattoos, according to investigators.
Their bodies were also found partially undressed in isolated locations around the resort city.
The first victim was discovered on May 10 near the Rancho El Piruli viewpoint, a well-known scenic spot in Puerto Vallarta.
Nearly a week later, a second woman's body was found at a roadside stop along a nearby highway.
Authorities have not officially identified the victims, although local media reports suggest the third woman may be 22-year-old Elizabeth Martinez, who had been reported missing.
According to Mexico News Daily, tattoos found on the woman's neck, hand and arm included a skull, a horned woman and a name. Her body also reportedly showed signs of violence.
Authorities have not officially identified the victims, although local media reports suggest the third woman may be 22-year-old Elizabeth Martinez (pictured), who had been reported missing
The first victim was discovered on May 10 near the Rancho El Piruli viewpoint, a well-known scenic spot in Puerto Vallarta
Investigators stressed the probe remains in its early stages and said they are also exploring whether the women may have been killed elsewhere before their bodies were dumped in Puerto Vallarta.
The reports have fuelled fears that a serial killer could be operating in the area, potentially damaging the reputation of one of Mexico's most popular tourist destinations for American travellers.
Puerto Vallarta was already rocked earlier this year by cartel violence after burned-out buses and looted shops were left strewn across the city following retaliation attacks linked to the death of a senior figure in the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, whose leader is known as El Mencho.
American tourists were left stranded as violence erupted across the city.
Paul Tumpowsky, chief revenue officer for Fora Travel, told the New York Post travellers visiting the area should maintain a 'heightened sense of awareness'.
'This is a time to think about and plan a little bit more about what's the appropriate amount of risk you're willing to take,' he said.
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