Mexican musician finds refuge in saxophone after acid attack

Ríos holds her saxophone at the end of a rehearsal at the National Autonomous University of Mexico music department, in Mexico City. Photo: AP

Maria Elena Ríos has conflicting feelings about her saxophone: She once blamed the instrument for bringing her to the brink of death – but it also has been her salvation.

Rios, 29, thought her career as a musician and her devotion to her saxophone were what led her former boyfriend – an influential politician – to hire the men who splashed acid onto her face and body, disfiguring her. Later, she learned he simply couldn't accept that she had broken off their relationship.