A location scout for the popular Netflix series "Narcos" was shot and killed last week after traveling to one of Mexico's most notoriously violent areas.
Carlos Muñoz Portal, 37, a veteran in the scouting business, was found riddled with bullets in a car located in a remote area by the San Bartolo Actopan. According to a report by Variety, this area is said to have one of the highest murder rates in the country.
Since the gruesome murder, Netflix issued the following statement:
"We are aware of the passing Carlos Muñoz Portal, a well-respected location scout, and send our condolences to his family," The video streaming company added, "The facts surrounding his death are still unknown as authorities continue to investigate."
The investigation so far has done little to turn up results and considering only a small fraction of murders in Mexico are ever solved, the likelihood of this becoming a cold case increases by the day. According to The Daily Beast, this case is in particular jeopardy due to the ineffectiveness of the country's police force.
As of now, one of the theories being floated is that while Portal was scouting the region, local gang and cartel members might have become threatened by the presence of a stranger taking photos. This is a danger that many scouts face when looking for effective settings for crime-centered series' or films.
In the aftermath of this tragic death, Netflix, as well as several other production studios, will have to reconsider how to better safely scout locations in the future.
Portal has been a pivotal member in the creation of blockbuster films that have been filmed in Mexico, including "Sicario" and "Apocalypto."
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