On November 24, 2025, Mexican authorities arrested Jaciel Antonio 'N', alias 'El Pelón', alleged recruiter for the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) in the assassination of Uruapan mayor Carlos Manzo. The killing, on November 1, involved youths recruited from rehab centers and a 2 million peso offer. The probe uncovers a criminal network with orders from leaders like 'R-1' and suspicions around the mayor's escorts.
The assassination of Carlos Alberto Manzo Rodríguez, mayor of Uruapan, Michoacán, took place on November 1, 2025, during the Festival de las Velas. According to the prosecutor's office, the CJNG ordered the hit via an encrypted chat with messages like 'Move everyone', 'We're ready' and 'Eliminate everything'. The reward was 2 million pesos, issued by key figures including Ramón Álvarez Ayala, alias 'R-1'.
'El Pelón', 36, recruited sicarios at the Renaciendo Uruapan rehab center, founded by Fernando Vieira, targeting vulnerable young addicts, including two minors aged 16 and 17. Recruits included 17-year-old Víctor Manuel Ubaldo Vidales and Fernando Josué Leal Aceves, both later killed. Vidales was shot dead by escort Demetrio 'N', the public security director, during a struggle; forensics confirm the shot hit the torso, not the shoulder as claimed.
SSPC head Omar García Harfuch announced 'El Pelón's arrest in a joint operation by FGR, National Guard, Sedena, Semar, and Michoacán authorities, under the Michoacán Peace and Justice Plan. Jorge Armando 'N', alias 'El Licenciado', identified as the intellectual author under 'R-1's orders, faces trial with seven escorts for omission in the homicide. Suspicions target the escorts, who allegedly made Manzo return to the attack site three times; one remains at large.
Additionally, deputy Carlos Alejandro Bautista Tafolla, Manzo's friend, offered 5,000 to 10,000 peso rewards for anonymous tips on family members in crimes, stressing: 'We must not be enablers' and 'Peace starts at home'. Investigations continue, with potential further arrests.
