Background and Relevance
Carlos Manzo Rodríguez, the mayor of Uruapan, Michoacán, was tragically killed on November 1 during the inauguration of the Festival de las Velas in the city’s central plaza. The shooting, which left Manzo with seven gunshot wounds, also injured Víctor Hugo de la Cruz, a city council member known as “Víctor Saladitas.” This incident has sparked significant concern and investigation due to the mayor’s alleged connections with rival groups to the Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG).
The Suspect and Circumstances
Víctor Manuel Ubaldo Vidales, a 17-year-old resident of Paracho, has been identified as the alleged perpetrator by the Fiscalía General del Estado de Michoacán. The teenager was reported missing from his home a week before the attack and had a history of methamphetamine addiction, which aligns with forensic findings. Fiscal Carlos Torres Piña also mentioned that more than two individuals were involved in the killing, linking the case to organized crime groups.
Investigation and Security Measures
Fourteen members of the Guardia Nacional, assigned to protect Mayor Manzo, and eight municipal police officers have given statements to the Ministry Publico regarding the incident. The Ayuntamiento of Uruapan initially appointed an interim authority following the homicide, and subsequently, Grecia Itzel Quiroz García, Manzo’s widow, was approved by the Congreso de Michoacán as the interim mayor.
Support and Collaboration
Fiscal Carlos Torres Piña acknowledged the assistance of Omar García Harfuch, Secretary of Security Ciudadana in Mexico City, in the ongoing investigation and intelligence efforts related to this case.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who was the victim? Carlos Manzo Rodríguez, mayor of Uruapan, Michoacán.
- When and where was he killed? He was shot and killed on November 1 during the inauguration of the Festival de las Velas in Uruapan’s central plaza.
- Who is the suspected killer? Víctor Manuel Ubaldo Vidales, a 17-year-old from Paracho.
- What are the suspect’s connections to the crime? The teenager had a history of methamphetamine addiction and was reported missing before the attack. The case is linked to organized crime groups.
- What security measures were taken? Fourteen Guardia Nacional members and eight municipal police officers provided statements. An interim mayor, Grecia Itzel Quiroz García, was appointed following the homicide.
- Who provided support in the investigation? Omar García Harfuch, Secretary of Security Ciudadana in Mexico City, offered assistance with intelligence and tracking efforts.
