Michoacán's prosecutor's office is searching for José Jiménez, security chief of the late mayor Carlos Manzo, who is a fugitive after his assassination on November 1 in Uruapan. Seven municipal escorts have been linked to the homicide through omission, while the alleged mastermind, alias 'El Licenciado', faces charges. The escorts' lawyer accuses a cover-up involving National Guard elements.
Carlos Manzo, mayor of Uruapan, was assassinated on November 1, 2025, during the Festival de Velas in the main square, by a 17-year-old hitman identified as Víctor Manuel “N”, who was killed at the scene. Michoacán's prosecutor's office confirmed the attack involved three men: Víctor Manuel as the direct aggressor, and Fernando Josué “N” and Ramiro “N”, who handled logistics and surveillance, found dead on November 10, possibly to halt the investigation.
On November 27, Jorge Armando “N”, alias ‘El Licenciado’, alleged mastermind linked to CJNG, was linked to process, also charged with injuries to councilor Víctor Hugo de la Cruz Saucedo. Coordination occurred via WhatsApp group, with precise instructions on routes and execution.
Seven municipal police officers —Omar “N”, Alejandro “N”, Mario Alberto “N”, Guillermo “N”, Demetrio “N”, Omar Osvaldo “N”, and Monserrat “N”— were detained and linked for qualified homicide by omission, for relaxing surveillance. Their arrest took place in a joint operation with SSPC, Sedena, National Guard, and SSP. All face preventive prison and three months for complementary investigation.
José Jiménez, retired Army lieutenant colonel and recruiter for Manzo's security, remains a fugitive. Prosecutor Carlos Torres Piña highlighted scientific evidence linking the implicated parties.
Gustavo Carreón, the escorts' lawyer, questioned: “Where are the National Guard members who were part of Carlos Manzo's security circle?”. He accused inconsistencies in the timeline —the attack at 20:30, but Manzo arrived at the hospital at 20:10— and lack of clarity on omissions, suggesting political motives and a cover-up for the National Guard, which detected no risks.
Grecia Quiroz, widow and current mayor, registered the trademarks ‘Carlos Manzo’ and ‘Movimiento Independiente del Sombrero’ with IMPI on November 14 to protect his legacy.
