California couple shot and killed in Mexico

MICHOACÁN, Mexico - A California couple was killed in a shooting while on vacation in the Mexican state of Michoacán, Mexican authorities confirmed Thursday.

The Michoacán State Attorney General's Office has launched an investigation into the murders of Gloria Ambriz, 50, and Rafael Cardona, 53, who were attacked late Wednesday night in the municipality of Angamacutiro.

The couple was traveling in a black 2016 Ford Platinum pickup truck with Querétaro license plates when gunmen opened fire near the intersection of Felipe Ángeles and Juan de la Barrera streets in the Lázaro Cárdenas neighborhood. 

Ambriz was pronounced dead at the scene, while Cardona succumbed to his injuries shortly after being transported to a hospital in Puruándiro, officials said.

Investigators have recovered ballistic evidence from the scene, which is being analyzed as part of the ongoing inquiry. The Attorney General's Office of the State of Michoacán has assembled a team of prosecutors, police, and forensic experts to determine the motive and identify those responsible for the killings.

The violent deaths add to concerns about safety for tourists in some parts of Mexico. Michoacán, a state known for its scenic landscapes and rich culture, has also struggled with high levels of violence tied to organized crime.

Further details about the couple, including their city of residence in California, were not immediately released.