On February 19, a cousin of Guadalupe Monserrat Mendoza Cano, the mayor of Apaseo el Alto in Guanajuato, was shot dead during an armed attack at a car wash. The incident occurred around 4:30 PM in a busy central area of the town, where armed assailants targeted the cousin along with two other men, who also lost their lives in this violent episode. Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers arrived at the car wash and opened fire indiscriminately, leading to a tragic triple homicide.

The cousin, identified as Heriberto Mendoza, was reportedly with two other individuals at the time of the attack. Two victims succumbed to their wounds at the scene, while the third was rushed to a hospital, where he later died despite medical efforts. This tragic incident highlights the pervasive violence affecting the region, often attributed to organized crime and gang activity, which has increasingly targeted public figures and their families.

The murder raises concerns regarding safety and security in Apaseo el Alto, particularly for local officials and their associates. As violence escalates, the effectiveness of law enforcement in the area may be called into question, prompting discussions about the need for enhanced protective measures for public officials and their relatives. The implications of this attack not only affect the immediate family and community but also spotlight the ongoing struggle against crime in Mexico, affecting citizens’ everyday lives and governance.