Mayor of Chilpancingo beheaded in latest wave of political violence in Mexico

By Jorge Antonio Rocha

MEXICO CITY (AA) - The Mayor of Chilpancingo de los Bravos, the capital city of Guerrero in coastal Mexico, Alejandro Arcos Catalan, was brutally murdered and beheaded, party officials said on Sunday night.

According to authorities, the head of the recently sworn-in mayor was placed on top of a white van, and his body was found inside the vehicle.

Just four days earlier, Francisco Tapia, Chilpancingo's city hall secretary, was also murdered by unknown assailants. On Sept. 29, Ulises Hernandez Martinez, an army captain and potential candidate to head the city's security ministry, was shot dead as well.

News of Arcos Catalan's brutal murder was broken by Alejandro Moreno, President of the Mayor's political party, the Party of Institutional Revolution (PRI).

Moreno condemned the murders of Catalan and Tapia and called for justice from Mexican authorities.

"They had been in office for less than a week—young and honest officials seeking progress for their community. Our condolences and solidarity go out to their families. Given the situation of ungovernability in Guerrero, we will be asking the FGR to take over the investigations into both assassinations," he wrote in his X account.

Before the general elections on June 2, Mexico experienced the most violent electoral process in its history, with over 30 aspirants, pre-candidates, and candidates killed during the campaign, with Guerrero emerging as the most dangerous state for politicians.

During her morning briefing, President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed sorrow over Catalan's murder and said that investigations were underway.

"All necessary investigations are being conducted, and we are collaborating with the state prosecutor's office. We are assessing whether it is necessary to transfer the case to the Attorney General's Office to determine the motive," she said.