10 bodies found in Zacatecas, ex-mayor identified among victims

Authorities in Zacatecas reported the discovery of 10 bodies across three municipalities on Saturday, July 18, with former Sombrerete Mayor Ignacio Castrejón Valdez identified as one of the victims. The bodies were found in Pánuco, Morelos, and Saín Alto, prompting a security deployment and investigation by state and federal forces.

The discovery

Four bodies were found hanging from a bridge in Pozo de Gamboa, Pánuco Source: lavozar. Five more were located along Federal Highway 54 in Morelos. The tenth body, later identified as Castrejón, was found on Federal Highway 45 in Saín Alto Source: excelsiormx. Infobae reported that Castrejón’s body showed signs of torture Source: infobae.

Victims and reactions

Castrejón, 59, served as mayor of Sombrerete from 2016 to 2018 under the PAN party and was a construction entrepreneur. His brother, Naty Castrejón, Hidalgo’s education secretary, confirmed the death and described his brother’s love for his homeland Source: mileniomx. Zacatecas Mayor Miguel Varela Pinedo expressed indignation, saying, "It is very sad to see what continues to happen in our country and state... it is outrageous that we continue to live through situations like this" Source: lavozar.

Investigation

Rodrigo Reyes Mugüerza, general secretary of the Zacatecas government, stated that the Operational Intelligence Group will hold an extraordinary session with military and government authorities Source: infobae. A separate incident in Fresnillo involving a police commander is also under investigation Source: lajornadamx.