Puebla journalist murder leads to bribery arrest amid press safety outcry

Josué Martínez Contreras, a 39-year-old journalist and teacher, was shot dead on July 16 in San Martín Texmelucan, Puebla, in an attack his 13-year-old son witnessed. Two days later, authorities arrested a man for attempting to bribe investigators working on the case.

The killing

Martínez, director of Noticias San Martín Texmelucan, was killed by two men on a motorcycle near his home. His son called emergency services Source: Milenio. Martínez had previously posted a video accusing Mayor Juan Manuel Alonso of threatening him over water billing disputes Source: Infobae.

Bribery arrest

On July 18, the Puebla state prosecutor’s office (FGE) detained Javier N. on bribery charges after he allegedly offered agents a vehicle and cash to stop the homicide investigation. The FGE said the bribery arrest is separate from the murder probe Source: Heraldo de México. Agents immediately refused the bribe and informed him his conduct constituted a crime Source: Infobae.

Context of violence

The murder has renewed criticism of Mexico’s failure to protect journalists. Reporteros Sin Fronteras (RSF) noted six journalists have been killed in 2026 as of July 19, calling the government response “clearly insufficient” Source: El País. Artículo 19 demanded the investigation prioritize Martínez’s journalistic work and urged protection for his family Source: La Voz. Mexico ranks 122nd in RSF’s press freedom index and is considered the most lethal country in the Americas for journalists Source: Diario Libre.