Devastated brother of Brit businessman shot dead in Cancun says family are in ‘disbelief’ over execution-style killing
THE devastated brother of a British businessman shot dead in Mexico has said his family are in disbelief over the execution-style killing.
Chris Cleave, 54, was driving through the popular tourist resort of Cancun with his teen daughter when he was ambushed by two gunmen.
The property mogul was killed instantly when a bullet hit him in the head, while his 14-year-old daughter was taken to hospital with minor injuries.
The attack took place at 9.30am on Saturday when Mr Cleave had stopped his red Audi in traffic.
Chris' older brother Nick, who runs a watersports company in Falmouth, Cornwall, today said his family are "trying to come to terms" with the horrific killing.
Nick told The Sun: “We still can’t believe what has happened to Chris.
“We are all just trying to come to terms with his death and all we want to do now is gather the family around so that we can protect our elderly mother."
He added: “The family won’t be making any further statement at the moment and we would like to be able to grieve in private.”
Cops confirmed that Mr Cleave and his daughter had been travelling on the main federal highway in Plawy Del Carmen.
Police later arrested the two killers after they fled the scene on motorbikes.
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Mr Cleave, who is originally from Truro, Cornwall, had lived in Mexico for more than a decade after moving there in 2014.
It is understood there is no suggestion Mr Cleave was involved in drugs, but police have launched a probe into why he was subjected to the execution-style killing. Officers believe he was followed from his home by his attackers.
A police source told : “This was not a random shooting but a targeted attack. He was chosen to be murdered.”
He had celebrated his daughter's 14th birthday just three days before the contract style killing.
His devastated brother Nick paid tribute, saying: "RIP baby bro, love you so much.
"Let’s hope the b*****ds get theirs."
EXECUTION-STYLE SLAYING
Shocked friends of Mr Cleave, who ran a property management company, expressed their grief at his murder online.
Sue Steggles said: “So very sad to have lost you Chris Cleave you were one of the good guys and taken far too young.
“I will look back on our Saturday nights with fondness, you were a big part of our life for such a long time.”
Patrick Delage added: “My condolences to all his family and friends.
“People from around the world will celebrate his life. Thank you for being there for us in Playa.”
Cancun has long been a tourist hotspot for Americans on 'Spring Break', but has become increasingly popular with British tourists and Instagram influencers.
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But violence has been spilling into the area, with rival gangs regularly targeting each other.
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Gang members launched a violent shootout in November last year on a tourist beach in which two gangsters were killed.
And a fortnight earlier a German and an American tourist were shot dead after becoming caught in the crossfire of a gang battle in Tulum.
