Prosecutors: Mob kills 4 in central Mexico for alleged theft

MEXICO CITY – Prosecutors in the central Mexico state of Puebla say they are investigating the alleged vigilante killings of four people.

In a statement Sunday, the office says that on Saturday several people allegedly attempted to steal a vehicle in the town of Tlacotepec, but were thwarted by residents.

Authorities say a mob captured six people suspected of being involved and beat them. One was killed at the scene and three died later at a hospital. Two more were injured.

Such killings occur occasionally in Mexico, especially in rural areas where residents have little faith in the criminal justice system and take matters into their own hands.