That was the question on the entire town’s minds. What had happened to McGean? The truth came fast when McGean’s dead body was discovered, encased under newly poured concrete.
The Murder of Brian Betts and McGean
McGean’s lungs had been punctured, and he was severely beaten, having been catfished and secretly told a different address than the hotel he thought, an establishment called Pacific Palace.
This is where details get murky and suspicion reign. In Mexico, according to the Citizens Council for Public Security and Criminal Justice, 93% of murders go unsolved. Jorge contacted McGean’s brother, Donnie, with his concerns about McGean’s disappearance and Donnie went as far as to fly to Mexico.
Both knew that drug crimes in the area were a possibility, though McGean went out of his way to donate to causes around the city and become a thriving member of the community. Jorge appeared emotional and distraught, but police soon had another idea.
Although Jorge seemed to be receiving texts asking for a ransom and the sender refusing to show them that McGean was safe, prosecutors now suggest that it was all part of an elaborate plot to steal money. Some members in town had said that Jorge had recently been fired from the cafe and was at odds with McGean over his behavior, such as holding parties when McGean was out of town.
Jorge Gonzalez was arrested and held at the jail, along with three others. While they wait for their trial, reports of jail beatings are frequent, and the truth is still hard to pinpoint. As Jorge wrote to The Post:
I'm locked up because of the whims of prosecutors and the disabilities of judges," he wrote. "I'm locked up because the state government wants to get along with the American community.
However, McGean’s brother, Donnie, believes Jorge is guilty and was suggests that Jorge was only emotional as he knew the robbery had gone awry and that McGean was dead. However, he also admits to The Independent, that even the ‘isn’t entirely sure what went on.
What is for sure is that lovers Brian Betts and O’Neil McGean were both killed after using phone and dating apps. Do you think Jorge is responsible for McGean’s murder and orchestrated it to take over the cafe or get the money? What should McGean and Betts have done to stay safe?
While it’s worth taking the chance to online date and meet new connections, you should never take a chance with your safety. Both McGean and Betts could still be alive if they had reached their new contacts in a public place, and background checked each person they met.
Make sure that you verify the identity of anyone you meet online or, even, via a phone messenger or app. Search phone number, username, email address, image, and more at Social Catfish. Know who ‘you’re meeting and protect your safety, first