2 Frenchwomen murdered in Argentina

BUENOS AIRES – Two Frenchwomen were shot to death in northern Argentina, where they were found by local tourists out hiking, authorities said Saturday.

“They are two Frenchwomen, found shot to death in a touristy area of Salta province,” Judge Martin Perez told TN television.

The bodies of the women, both 30, were spotted Friday by hikers near San Lorenzo hill, west of the provincial capital, the judge said.

“Salta needs to clear up this appalling crime immediately,” Governor Juan Manuel Uturbey said at a press conference at his office.

The victims were not immediately identified publicly pending notification of relatives.

One was shot in the head and apparently sexually abused, her clothes torn, and the other was shot in the back, the judge said.

No arrests have been made and authorities have launched an investigation, the judge added.