Hermosa Beach Man Killed In Mexico Over 'Shoes, Wallet, And Some Pocket Change'
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) — A Southland family is urging federal authorities to investigate the murder of a 27-year-old Hermosa Beach man while he was on vacation in Mexico.
Family members say 27-year-old Taylor Kristopher Meyer was brutally stabbed to death last week while celebrating a friend's birthday in Playa del Carmen.
Meyer's cousin, Jordan Flye, says Meyer was killed over "his shoes, wallet, and some pocket change".
PLEASE SHARE! This is my cousin Taylor Meyer, he was brutally stabbed to death just because someone wanted his shoes, wallet, and some pocket change while on vacation in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico. My family wishes to warn others about traveling to Mexico. I love you! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/eh1HtMfaSa
— Jordan Flye (@jordanflye) November 12, 2018
While details remain sketchy, Meyer was reportedly killed near a park in Playa del Carmen after an altercation. Local news reports initially claimed drugs were found on the victim's person, but that has not been corroborated by U.S. officials.
At some point, Taylor was separated from his friends and, according to witnesses, he was robbed and attacked by three people.
His parents say even though their son was capable of handling himself, they still warned him about his safety.
"He was well aware, he said 'Mom, I would never take a taxi, we're going to do this together and that'," mom Krista Meyer told CBSLA's Tina Patel.
Meyer's family is asking the FBI to conduct a full investigation into his death and warning any Americans with plans to travel to Mexico to remain vigilant.
"They've arrested one person, there were three involved," said dad Kris Meyer. "I don't want a cover-up when they arrest some gang member and throw him to the wolves and he wasn't the guy who did it. We want justice for our son."
A memorial service for Meyer is set for Saturday at Purpose Church in Pomona. Family members have also set up a GoFundMe page to help raise funds to bring Meyer's body back home.