There are a few essentials for any child’s birthday party: a theme, a cake, some balloons, a piñata created in the image of a convicted killer.

ACOLMAN, Mexico — Maria de Lourdes Ortiz Zacarias swiftly cuts hundreds of strips of newsprint and colored crepe paper needed to make a pinata, soothed by Norteno music on the radio while ...

She said, 'Why don't we make a pinata for CBS 58 News,' and I said, 'I can do it!'" he explained. No matter the request, he will glue and cut until the piñata is picture-perfect.