A serial killer may be running amok in Mexico as a resort town faces three deaths with a mysterious pattern. Fears of a serial killer on the loose began swirling on May 10 when the first victim’s body was found near Rancho El Piruli. The site is a famous viewpoint for tourists in Puerto Vallarta. As of writing, three murders have taken place in Puerto Vallarta. All of the victims were women who had tattoos.

According to the Toronto Sun, no bodies have been identified as yet . However, authorities claim that each victim’s body was “heavily tattooed” and discovered in a similar state of undress. The recent body discovered last week also had a series of tattoos on it. The tattoos consisted of a woman with horns covering her mouth, a skull tattoo, and a woman’s name tattooed on the right arm.

Authorities suspect the newly found body to be that of Elizabeth Galindo Martínez, 22, because of the similar tattoos. Martinez belonged to the State of Mexico and had disappeared in April. It’s unclear whether the women were killed in Puerto Vallarta or were murdered elsewhere, with their bodies being transported later.

The presence of a serial killer could damage the reputation of Puerto Vallarta further after the reported violence in February, which took place after cartel members burned down buses and looted shops to take revenge for the death of Jalisco New Generation Cartel’s top boss, El Mencho. The incident occurred during spring break, leading to many American students being stranded.

At the time, the state department classified the violence as level 2, with Jalisco and Baja California as Level 3. Chief Revenue Officer for Fora Travel, Paul Tumpowsky, spoke on the matter at the time, stating that it’s a “delicate balance” between police and whoever is coming after tourists. “Mexico is a big place. That’s the first thing to remember: Baja California operates totally differently than Jalisco, relative to Mexico City, Cancun, Riviera Maya, etc. Generally speaking, outside of the regions that have been directly impacted, it’s going to be safe to travel.”

He urged travelers to exercise “a heightened sense of awareness, not to the point of ruining your vacation, but being smart,” Tumpowsky said. “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.” That said, given the rampant gang violence in Puerto Vallarta, authorities are investigating whether the killings are linked to a serial killer or possible cartel-related violence.

Authorities are trying their very best to avoid a time like the violence in February. Katy Holloman, a US resident, recounted her time being stuck amid the cartel violence in a conversation with the New York Post. “ We were told to shelter in place right now. We need to stay in the hotel; it was safer here, but it is not safe to travel to the airport,” Holloman recalled. “The road is closed due to the cartel. There’s no flights going out of the airport to the States. We’ve rescheduled them for tomorrow afternoon, really hoping we make it home.”