Parrish's death is the first reported fatal shooting of an American tourist traveling in Puerto Vallarta, according to the U.S. Embassy. More than 1 million Americans traveled there last year.
(Handout Photo)
Other areas in Mexico do not share the same reputation for safety. A state department travel alert issued in October warns American tourists about execution-style murders involving Mexican officials and kidnappings common to some parts of the country.
"In recent years dozens of U.S. citizens have been kidnapped in Mexico and many cases remain unresolved," according to the current travel alert, which will remain in effect until April 15, 2008. "Moreover, new cases of disappearances and kidnap for ransom continue to be reported." The alert specifically cites border areas as potential flash points of danger.
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