In a significant ruling, two individuals identified as José Heriberto Ochoa Díaz, known as "el Huesos," and Adrián Nicolás Ramos, known as "el Uber," have been sentenced to 25 years in prison for the murder of photojournalist Margarito Martínez Esquivel, committed on January 17, 2022. The trial, held in Tijuana, concluded with the defendants admitting their involvement in the crime, which highlights ongoing issues related to journalist safety in Mexico.

Martínez, a prominent figure in photojournalism, became the latest victim in a disturbing trend of violence against media professionals in the country. The court action took place in Baja California, where the judge also ordered the defendants to pay a collective restitution amount of approximately 487 thousand pesos as compensation for the damages caused by their actions. This case reflects the broader challenges faced in Mexico, where journalists often operate under threat.

As for the third suspect, Cristian Adán Velázquez José, also known as "el Cabo 16" or "el Jaguar," he opted to continue with the oral trial process. A hearing is scheduled to proceed in late April 2023. The decision to push forward with the trial of Velázquez indicates a potential for further developments in the case and underlines the complexity surrounding issues of accountability for violence against journalists in Mexico.