Authorities in Michoacan have detained seven of the eight municipal police officers assigned to protect Uruapan Mayor Carlos Manzo, who was gunned down during a public Day of the Dead event on Nov. 1. Investigators say the officers failed to carry out basic protection duties, allowing the attack to unfold in the middle of a crowded plaza.
The Michoacan Attorney General's Office said the officers, six men and one woman, were taken into custody on Friday for their "probable participation" in Manzo's killing through omission. A judge ordered all seven to remain in preventive detention as the case moves forward. One additional bodyguard is still being sought by police.
Manzo, known for his outspoken criticism of criminal groups and sometimes called "The Mexican Bukele" for his hardline stance, was shot several times by a 17-year-old attacker during the Festival of Candles. The teen, identified as Victor Manuel Ubaldo Vidales, was killed shortly afterward by municipal police. Prosecutors now accuse Uruapan's municipal police chief, Demetrio "N," of murdering the already-subdued attacker.
At a court hearing in Morelia, Demetrio "N" admitted to shooting Ubaldo but claimed he acted during a struggle. Prosecutors countered with expert evidence showing the teen was handcuffed, on the ground, and no longer a threat when the commander fired a shot into the back of his neck from close range. Officers also allegedly blocked paramedics from providing aid to him.
State investigators said Manzo's bodyguards did not properly secure the area before the shooting and may have leaked information about the mayor's movements. Authorities are also investigating National Guard personnel who were part of Manzo's wider security detail.
Officials say the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) offered 2 million pesos (roughly US $108,000) for the mayor's assassination. Federal Security Minister Omar Garcia Harfuch confirmed that Jorge Armando "N," arrested last week, is believed to be one of the organizers. Another alleged planner, CJNG figure Ramon Alvarez Ayala, remains at large along with cartel leader Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera.
Two additional suspects were found dead on Nov. 10, apparently killed to obstruct the investigation. On Monday, Garcia Harfuch announced the arrest of Jaciel Antonio "N," whom authorities accuse of recruiting participants from rehabilitation centers for the hit.
Manzo's killing triggered protests across Michoacan and helped spark nationwide "Generation Z" marches on Nov. 15. The federal government has since launched a 57-billion-peso security initiative known as Plan Michoacan for Peace and Justice in response to the assassination and to fight ongoing violence in the region.
The Michoacan Attorney General's Office said the officers, six men and one woman, were taken into custody on Friday for their "probable participation" in Manzo's killing through omission. A judge ordered all seven to remain in preventive detention as the case moves forward. One additional bodyguard is still being sought by police.
Manzo, known for his outspoken criticism of criminal groups and sometimes called "The Mexican Bukele" for his hardline stance, was shot several times by a 17-year-old attacker during the Festival of Candles. The teen, identified as Victor Manuel Ubaldo Vidales, was killed shortly afterward by municipal police. Prosecutors now accuse Uruapan's municipal police chief, Demetrio "N," of murdering the already-subdued attacker.
At a court hearing in Morelia, Demetrio "N" admitted to shooting Ubaldo but claimed he acted during a struggle. Prosecutors countered with expert evidence showing the teen was handcuffed, on the ground, and no longer a threat when the commander fired a shot into the back of his neck from close range. Officers also allegedly blocked paramedics from providing aid to him.
State investigators said Manzo's bodyguards did not properly secure the area before the shooting and may have leaked information about the mayor's movements. Authorities are also investigating National Guard personnel who were part of Manzo's wider security detail.
Officials say the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) offered 2 million pesos (roughly US $108,000) for the mayor's assassination. Federal Security Minister Omar Garcia Harfuch confirmed that Jorge Armando "N," arrested last week, is believed to be one of the organizers. Another alleged planner, CJNG figure Ramon Alvarez Ayala, remains at large along with cartel leader Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera.
Two additional suspects were found dead on Nov. 10, apparently killed to obstruct the investigation. On Monday, Garcia Harfuch announced the arrest of Jaciel Antonio "N," whom authorities accuse of recruiting participants from rehabilitation centers for the hit.
Manzo's killing triggered protests across Michoacan and helped spark nationwide "Generation Z" marches on Nov. 15. The federal government has since launched a 57-billion-peso security initiative known as Plan Michoacan for Peace and Justice in response to the assassination and to fight ongoing violence in the region.
