Gibran Martiz, a contestant of "La Voz México 3" – the Mexican version of NBC talent search show "The Voice," was found dead Saturday night in Veracruz after being missing for two weeks in an apparent abduction..
Martiz’s body, along with that of another young aspiring singer, Martiz Díaz, was recovered by authorities following a shootout between police and their apparent kidnappers, Veracruz’s Attorney General Amadeo Flores said,
Fox News Latino reported.
Both kidnap victims were reportedly dead prior to the ensuing gun battle between security forces and suspects, a preliminary investigation concluded, according to Fox News.
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According to the victims’ families, the singers were abducted from their Xalapa, Veracruz apartment by masked men wearing police uniforms.
When authorities raided the captor’s apartment they reportedly found uniforms belonging to several different police agencies, as well as a bullet proof vest, four handguns, four rifles and two bags of marijuana.
Following the discovery of Martiz’s body, condolences came pouring in on social media including from the well-known Puerto Rican reggaeton duo Wisin & Yandel, who were reportedly mentoring the 22-year-old Martiz.
"Our condolences to the family, friends and fans of Gibran," the duo posted on their joint Twitter account,
the Latin Times reported. "We will miss you brother. May God have you in his glory."
In a separate post on his own Twitter account, Yandel added, "What devastating news... May you rest in peace Gibran Martiz."
In recent years there has reportedly been a rise in kidnappings in Mexico.
In May a mass kidnapping of 11 young people at an after-hours bar in Mexico City's Zona Rosa district occurred. The incident reportedly occurred in broad daylight in a relatively safe area known for its offices, restaurants, drinking spots and dance clubs.
The incident occurred just 20 days after Malcolm X’s grandson, Malcolm Shabazz , was beaten to death at another tough bar in the downtown area.
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