The story of Carlota, a 74-year-old woman arrested in Chalco for shooting two men who allegedly invaded her property, has sparked a wave of reactions across the country. While some see her as a victim defending her property, others point out the risks of taking the law into their own hands.
Although this incident occurred in the center of the country, the issue is no stranger to Los Cabos. Land invasions are a recurring and complex problem. One of the most recent cases occurred in March, in the second phase of the La Ballena Ejido in San José del Cabo, where several families reported being evicted despite having had payment documents for years. The residents demanded regularization of their land and access to basic services, such as electricity.
However, authorities have insisted that occupying land without property documents can have serious consequences, both legal and security risks, as many of these settlements are located in vulnerable areas, such as streambeds.
According to the Baja California Sur Penal Code, occupying another person’s property through deception or violence is considered a crime of dispossession and can be punished with up to eight years in prison. Those who finance or promote this type of action are also punished.
The incident involving Carlota, nicknamed “Grandma Hitman,” makes it clear that acting on one’s own can further complicate a legal conflict. Instead of resolving a problem, one risks facing assault or even homicide charges.
Given this reality, the general recommendation is to go to the appropriate authorities: file a complaint, provide proof of ownership, and allow the authorities to handle the case.
Source: tribunademexico
