One week after the assassination of Uruapan's mayor, Carlos Manzo, authorities have identified the shooter and linked the crime to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). The attack took place on November 1 during the Festival of Candles, amid prior denunciations of violence in the region. The victim's brother demands investigation into possible political motives.
Carlos Manzo, mayor of Uruapan in Michoacán, was assassinated on November 1, 2025, while walking at the Festival of Candles. The former mayor had denounced violence in the Tierra Caliente region for months, leading to prior threats. The attack drew condemnations from all levels of government and sparked mobilizations in Michoacán and nationwide.
On November 6, authorities confirmed that Víctor Manuel Ubaldo Vidales, a 17-year-old youth, was responsible for shooting Manzo and was killed at the scene. According to the Michoacán Attorney General's Office, Vidales was recruited by the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), which operates in the state through groups like the Knights Templar. The weapon used is linked to other violent incidents attributed to the cartel in the region.
One line of investigation suggests the assassination was retaliation for the arrest of René Belmonte Aguilar, alias 'El Rino', on August 27, 2025. 'El Rino' was allegedly the CJNG's plaza boss in Uruapan, and after his capture, Manzo requested help amid rising violence, declaring the area in code red. The prosecutor's office is pursuing this lead, though intellectual authorship has not been confirmed.
Juan Manzo, the victim's brother, has highlighted irregularities, such as escorts returning his brother to the danger zone three times. In an interview with Azucena Uresti, he demanded probing a political motive, citing Carlos's disputes with Morena figures: Senator Raúl Morón, Deputy Leonel Godoy, and former mayor Ignacio Campos. 'Carlos had made very important accusations against political actors he was adversarial with', Juan stated.
On November 9, President Claudia Sheinbaum unveiled the 'Michoacán Plan', outlining actions in security, education, and economy to combat violence in the state. Investigations continue to clarify the case and ensure justice.