Police find the bodies of 7 men beaten, shot to death in northern Mexico

7 men beaten, shot to death in northern Mexico

MEXICO CITY — Police have found the bodies of seven young men who were beaten or shot to death in the state of Durango in northern Mexico.

At least three of the bodies had bullet wounds. The others appear to have been beaten to death.

Investigations into the case are continuing, but the style of the killings suggested the involvement of drug gangs.

An employee of the state prosecutor’s office who was not authorized to be quoted by name said the bodies were found on a street in the city of Gomez Palacio on Tuesday.

More than 10,800 people have been killed by drug violence since President Felipe Calderon launched a nationwide crackdown on organized crime in late 2006.