Thread: U.S. man charged with lying about Canadian killing in Mexico

U.S. man charged with lying about Canadian killing in Mexico

Last Updated: Tuesday, June 17, 2008 | 9:22 AM ET Comments16Recommend26CBC News

Mexican officials have charged an American man for allegedly lying about the slaying of a Canadian man in a beach resort city.

State police commander Omar Barajas said late Monday that investigators believe Michael Thompson of Chicago knows who killed Bouabal Bounthavorn, 29, of Burnaby, B.C.

Bounthavorn was shot in the head after opening the door of his room at the Hotel Riu in the Baja California peninsula city of Cabo San Lucas, police say. His girlfriend was shot in the ankle.

Thompson, who has been held as a witness since the killing, initially told police he saw someone argue with and then shoot Bounthavorn at the hotel on May 15.

He has now been charged with giving a false statement to investigators.

Police said they have detained a Mexican man in connection with the case, but wouldn't give any further details.

With files from the Associated Press

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U.S. man held as witness by Mexican police in killing of Canadian

Last Updated: Tuesday, May 20, 2008 | 7:57 PM ET Comments15Recommend17The Associated Press

Police are holding an American man as a witness in the killing of a Canadian tourist shot to death in his hotel room in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

State police commander Enrique Wuilar said Michael Thompson, 32, of Chicago was staying across the hall from Bouabal Bounthavorn, 29. Bounthavorn was shot in the head Thursday after he opened the door of his room at the Hotel Riu.

Wuilar said Thompson could be held for up to 30 days.

Thompson told investigators he saw Bounthavorn argue with a man and then get shot, Wuilar said.

Bouthavorn's girlfriend, 24-year-old Masha Heikali of Burnaby, B.C., who was wounded in the foot or ankle, was placed in protective custody, the Canadian Press reported Monday.

Wuilar said investigators are looking for the killer, described as a tall, thin, dark-skinned man. They know no motive for the killing.

© The Canadian Press, 2008

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What a vacation haven Mexico is. NOT