Photos provided by Mexico police – Tourist Police Public Ministry
UPDATE 1/10/2023: Although Aufderheide was arrested by Mexican authorities and held during their investigation, he was later released after the investigation determined that the victim, Leah Pearse fell from the balcony after attempting to climb to the third floor and ruled her death accidental.
The family of the victim released the following.
“Leah “Lee” Pearse, age 20 of Massachusetts, died in an accident while on vacation in Cancun, Mexico early in the morning of January 6, 2023. After a great beach day, amazing dinner, and fantastic dancing, she attempted to enter her Airbnb through the third-floor balcony because the keys had been locked inside. Tragically she slipped, fell, and died instantly”
The victims obituary can be read here.
1/9/2023 Cancún, Mexico: Police responded to a four-story apartment complex located in the Super Block 3 on Huachinango Street in Cancún Mexico for the reported deceased woman.
Police and medical personnel responded and located the female victim laying on the sidewalk in front of the apartment building where she was pronounced deceased on the scene.
Investigating authorities were made aware by residents she was allegedly tossed from the balcony of the building and upon locating the victims boyfriend, he was detained.
Aufderheide allegedly stated to police that the couple were fighting when the victim went over the balcony.
Police identified the foreign man as Augustine Robert Aufderheide, age 21 of Prince Frederick, Maryland. He is still being held by investigating police forces in Cancún.
We will publish updates once they become available.
Photos provided by Mexico police – Tourist Police Public Ministry
Photos provided by Mexico police – Tourist Police Public Ministry
