Mayor Carlos Manzo Murder Case: Public Relations Officer and Taxi Driver Among Latest Arrests in Mexico

Key Arrests Made in Uruapan Mayor's Assassination

Mexican authorities have announced the arrest of two more individuals in connection with the assassination of Carlos Manzo, the mayor of Uruapan, Michoacán, who was murdered on November 1, 2025. The newly detained suspects include Samuel 'N', who served as the mayor's public relations and protocol director, and Josué Elogio 'N', a taxi driver known as 'Viejito' (Little Old Man). The arrests were made on January 8 and 9, 2026, and publicly announced by the head of the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC), Omar García Harfuch, on January 11.

Alleged Roles of the Detained

According to investigations, Samuel 'N', due to his position as Director of Public Relations and Protocol for the Uruapan City Council, allegedly provided crucial information about Mayor Manzo's itinerary and movements to the criminal cell responsible for the attack. Authorities revealed that Samuel 'N' has a prior criminal record, including charges for assault and robbery. Josué Elogio 'N', the taxi driver, is believed to have acted as a link between Samuel 'N' and the individuals who carried out the assassination. He was reportedly part of a WhatsApp group, led by alleged mastermind Jorge Armando 'N', where real-time location data, photographs, and schedule changes for the mayor were shared. Following these arrests, three search warrants were executed, leading to the seizure of drugs and communication equipment.

Context of Mayor Manzo's Assassination

Carlos Manzo Rodríguez, the independent municipal president of Uruapan, was fatally shot during a Day of the Dead celebration in the city center. Manzo was widely known for his outspoken stance against organized crime groups in Mexico, particularly in the state of Michoacán, which has been plagued by cartel violence. His assassination sparked widespread outrage and protests across the country. The attack is believed to have been ordered by the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), reportedly in retaliation for the mayor's local police capturing one of its leaders, René Belmonte, alias 'Rino', in August 2025.

Ongoing Investigation and Previous Arrests

The investigation into Mayor Manzo's murder has been extensive and has led to multiple arrests. The assailant, Víctor Manuel Ubaldo Vidales, a 17-year-old, was killed by security forces immediately after the shooting. In November 2025, authorities arrested Jorge Armando 'N', alias 'El Licenciado', identifying him as a leader of a CJNG-linked criminal cell and one of the intellectual authors of the crime. Other individuals previously detained include Ricardo 'N' (transport), Jaciel Antonio 'N' (recruiter), Gerardo 'N' (collaborator), Flor 'N' (linked to operations), and Alejandro Baruc 'N' alias 'K-OZ' (cell leader). Additionally, Yesenia 'N', Manzo's private secretary, was arrested on January 8, 2026, for her alleged involvement. The Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection continues to coordinate with the Michoacán Attorney General's Office and the federal government, emphasizing that the investigation is 'progressing substantially' and more detentions are expected.