Mexico unravels CJNG network behind Manzo murder
The gist
Mexican authorities have arrested 34 suspects over the November 2025 killing of Uruapan mayor Carlos Manzo.
The case's unusual progress matters in a country with high impunity.
How it unfolded
- Nov 1, 2025 19:50El Licenciado sent a message in capital letters to the "Ciudad" group chat saying Carlos Manzo had to die right there and then. Six or seven minutes later, one of the young men fired a 9mm pistol at the mayor as he walked through the town square during Day of the Dead, while journalists livestreamed the Candle Festival.
- date unknownEl Licenciado, R1's right-hand man in the operation and leader of the CJNG structure in Uruapan, was captured months before R1's arrest.
- Jul 2026Ramón Álvarez Ayala, known as "R1" and the alleged mastermind of the murder, was arrested.
Key terms
- CJNG
- A Mexican criminal syndicate based in Jalisco known for extreme violence and drug trafficking.
- impunity
- The ability to act without facing punishment or other negative consequences.
- Attorney General's Office
- A government body responsible for investigating and prosecuting federal crimes.
Source: Wikipedia