The attorney general said forensic tests found traces of gunshot residue on Ubaldo’s hands, supporting investigators’ conclusion that he was the shooter. “The results confirm the hypothesis that he was responsible for the murder of Mayor Manzo,” Torres said, according to Mexico News Daily. Authorities also determined that Ubaldo had been addicted to methamphetamine, a finding later confirmed by his family.
The mayor, who had been in office since September 2024, was known for his vocal opposition to organized crime and had called on President Claudia Sheinbaum to increase federal support for Michoacan, one of Mexico’s most violent states.
His assassination sparked outrage and mass protests across the region.
Thousands of residents marched through Uruapan and the state capital of Morelia demanding justice and greater security. Some protesters stormed the Michoacan Government Palace, damaging parts of the historic building before being dispersed with tear gas and rubber bullets. Police said eight people were arrested during the unrest. Signs reading “Justice for Manzo” and “Enough with all this crime” were seen across multiple cities.
Torres said two additional suspects have been arrested in connection with the murder, and investigators believe that more than two people were involved. “The homicide is related to organized crime groups,” he added. While no group was officially named, Milenio reported that investigators believe the Jalisco New Generation Cartel may have been involved.
“The investigation work is being carried out in a coordinated way between federal and state authorities,” Torres said, adding that officials will continue to inform citizens about any progress in the case.
In a symbolic move, Manzo’s wife, Grecia Quiroz, was sworn in as Uruapan’s new mayor on Wednesday. Over the past 25 years, at least 119 mayors and mayors-elect have been murdered in Mexico 20 of them in Michoacan alone, according to El Universal.
The United States has reportedly offered to expand joint security efforts with Mexico in response to the assassination, as officials in both countries face mounting pressure to confront cartel violence. Protesters have accused local police of corruption and negligence for failing to protect Manzo despite ongoing threats against him. In Uruapan, community leaders have organized nightly candlelight vigils in the town square, vowing not to stop demonstrating until those behind the killing are held accountable.
Residents also called on the federal government to deploy additional National Guard troops to Michoacan, saying the state has become “ungovernable” under cartel influence.
