(USA)Army soldier strangled to death in Tijuana

San Francisco Chronicle ^ | 1/2/03

[I_Love_My_Husband]

A 20-year-old U.S. Army soldier was strangled to death in this border city, authorities said Thursday.

Pvt. Conrado Salinas of Fontana, Calif., who was assigned to a maintenance company at Fort Irwin, was found dead Dec. 29 outside the Hotel California in the city's downtown, said Liza Davis, spokeswoman for the U.S. Consulate in Tijuana.

[E. Pluribus Unum]

Probably a Ranger.

[crypt2k]

Prayers for the survivors of this soldier,
and a warning to others. TJ has a few perils
and pitfalls.

[kellynla]

I remember going to TJ's in 1968 before going to Viet Nam and on that weekend liberty there was a Marine who was killed and after that incident the Corps "black-listed" TJ's. Haven't been there since. There use to be taxis that would pick up American servicemen and "roll" them and sometimes leave them for dead. Nice town...

[Archangelsk]

I know what goes on in Tijuana and I know soldiers. My heart goes out to this young man, but he was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

[umgud]

I've had to go to several border towns on business and I've been to the interior on a few occasions. I've had a few near mishaps and won't go back. It ain't safe enough for us gringos.

[vin-one]

Went to TJ about 6 years ago with the wife and kids,
we walked to town and back out, scared the crap out of us.
we started heading back right before dark, and were being shadowed,
by some fellow I stared him down from across the street.
We made a bee line right to the border, don't go down to TJ at night.

[Feiny]

Conrado Salinas sounds like a hispanic name......TJ is a dangerous and seedy town.....wouldn't gothere if you paid me.

[nicko]

A Ranger? Not too many rangers assigned to Irwin, let alone one in maintenance...most likely a 63B,S,T or Wiskey...

[E. Pluribus Unum]

A Ranger? Not too many rangers assigned to Irwin, let alone one in maintenance...most likely a 63B,S,T or Wiskey...

I was being facetious. Faceitiousness loses something when you have to point it out with a </sarcasm> tag.

[Excuse_My_Bellicosity]

I've been to Tijuana one when I was 19. I'll never go back. That is one place that is not inherently safe.

[ResistorSister]

Lived in San Diego in the early 70's - while in high school, my friends and I use to go to TJ for the dog races, to shop, and to visit the restaurants. We never had any trouble down there...but my dad (navy lifer) always warned me about the troubles that military guys had in TJ and told me to be careful.

[SkunkPunk]

I went to school in San Diego and used to go to TJ all the time, many times with girls dressed for the clubs. Never had any major problems. There is safety in numbers though, and you could never be too carefull. The rule is that you always go with somebody who has been several times before and always bring an extra $50 as a "get out of jail free card". The police are much more scarey then the locals.

[colorado tanker]

Welcome to the Hotel California. Such a lovely place. Such a lovely place.

[hsmomx3]

Amazing how unsafe it is for us but it's okay for "them" to cross over in the USA.

[tom paine 2]

We just rode right thru TJ on the way to Ensenada. Lots of fun and very safe back in the 70's.

[nicko]

sorry...I guess the sarcasm was a little too sharp for me...didn't catch it- I probably jumped the gun on a response, which is usually not my style...I was thinking in strictly military terms, having been in it the better part of four decades- I have known Ranger tabbed Observer/Controlers assigned to NTC- I meant no disrespect....

[kellynla]

Many people go to TJ's to have their prescriptions filled. I understand it is much cheaper there but it is absolutely paramount that you return before dark. Not the place for women and children. If I had to go I would definitely take someone who was fluent in Spanish.

[Jack Black]

"Good Night" said the Doorman, "We are programed to recieve. You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave" was overheard as he left the Hotel California. Sad it happened there, its such a lovely place. There are always plenty of rooms at the Hotel California, which is probably why he chose it. Also, the mirrors on the ceiling and complementary pink champaign on ice are a big draw with service men I hear.

[Cicero]

At a guess, he was rolled for his wallet. It's not a safe place at night.