OTTAWA - The federal government says it is monitoring the case of an Ontario teen killed in Mexico, but the Foreign Affairs Minister adds the investigation still rests with local authorities.

"We've been quite involved," Peter MacKay said Thursday. "We've taken this to the highest levels."

Adam DePrisco, 19, died outside an Acapulco nightclub on Jan. 7. Mexican police said the Woodbridge, Ont. teen was the victim of a hit-and-run. But his travelling companion said he was attacked and beaten to death.

An autopsy conducted in Toronto concluded that injuries DePrisco received were consistent with being knocked down, but the results were not conclusive.

DePrisco's family members have been demanding that Ottawa put pressure on the Mexican government to conduct a thorough investigation.

"I've spoken to my counterpart, who has responded that she's been in touch with local authorities and police, urging them to continue the investigation," MacKay said adding that Foreign Affairs will "continue to monitor" the case.

MacKay said it is the sovereign responsibility of countries to investigate cases of foreign nationals who are killed or injured, just as in Canada.

DePrisco's death was the second case of a Canadian tourist dying while on vacation in Mexico under suspicious circumstances in less than a year.

Before that, Domenic and Nancy Ianiero were found with their throats slashed in their Cancun resort hotel room in February 2006. Their case has not been solved and no suspects have been arrested.

Ianiero family members and their lawyer have accused Mexican officials of botching the investigation.

In January of this year another man from Ontario was killed and his wife left clinging to life in a Mexican hospital after what police called a hit-and-run.

Clifford Glasier, 67, was pronounced dead on the scene of the accident. His wife Janette Lerch, 54, has reportedly been transferred to a Canadian hospital for treatment.

The driver involved reportedly fled the scene, leaving the victims on the road.

Family members urged Canadian to think seriously before considering a Mexican vacation.