Mexico City police are investigating a murder suspect, identified as Miguel, as a possible serial killer after bones, a saw, blood, and the ID cards of missing women were found at rooms he rented. The suspect is facing charges of murder and attempted murder of two women, with evidence suggesting he may have multiple victims. The case highlights systemic issues in Mexico City's handling of missing women cases, with past instances of serial killers being caught only after accumulating a significant number of victims.
Protesters in Mexico City broke down the door of the presidential palace with a truck, seeking answers for the disappearance of 43 college students from the Ayotzinapa teaching training school in 2014. Chanting 'You took them alive, we want them back alive,' the protesters demanded justice. President Lopez Obrador had pledged an honest investigation into the case, but has stated it will not be complete before he leaves office this year.
Juan Miguel Valdez, 40, involved in a domestic violence incident, led police on a car chase in California. He attempted to carjack a vehicle on a busy interstate by clinging to the door, resulting in police shooting him multiple times. Valdez, expressing shock, was treated for bullet wounds and later booked on five felonies, including carjacking and resisting arrest. He is held without bail and due in court on April 10. The Lathrop Police Department responded to the incident but did not clarify Valdez's parole status or previous charges.
On International Women's Day in Mexico City, 180,000 women dressed in lilac and chanted slogans demanding their rights and protesting against gender violence. Women highlighted issues such as lack of police protection, high rates of femicides, and gender-based violence. The march ended in Mexico City's central square, where protesters sought relief from the heat. Women expressed distrust towards the police and a sense of fear due to high levels of impunity for crimes against women. The march symbolized a broader movement across Latin America, where gender rights advocates face both progress and setbacks.
In Maravatio, Mexico, mayoral candidates Armando Perez and Miguel Angel Zavala from rival parties were both found shot to death in their cars within hours of each other. Perez was from the National Action Party, while Zavala represented the Morena party. The upcoming election on June 2 is anticipated to be Mexico's most violent on record, with concerns over escalating violence and security issues. The state of Michoacan, where the killings occurred, has been heavily impacted by gang turf wars between cartels like the Jalisco New Generation and local gangs.
The whereabouts of human rights attorney Rocio San Miguel, her daughter Miranda Diaz San Miguel, and ex-husband Victor Diaz Paruta remain unknown after being detained by Venezuelan authorities at the airport. Lawyers and family members have been unable to locate them in detention facilities. More than 200 NGOs have demanded their immediate release and the United States government has expressed concern. San Miguel, who specializes in studying Venezuela's armed forces, has been accused of being linked to a plot to kill President Nicolas Maduro and attack military units.
Alejandro Gonzalez, a former Venezuelan fighter pilot and employee of U.S. oil firm Chevron, was arrested in Venezuela in February for allegedly revealing national security secrets and obstructing justice. His arrest, along with other repressive acts by the Maduro government, is straining efforts by the Biden administration to promote free and fair elections in the country. Gonzalez's ex-wife, human rights attorney Rocio San Miguel, was also detained on accusations of being a spy in U.S.-backed conspiracies. This pattern of targeting family members of government opponents has been condemned by U.N. officials.
Edsaul Mendoza, a former Philadelphia police officer, pleaded guilty to third-degree murder and possession of an instrument of crime in the death of Thomas TJ Siderio, a 12-year-old boy. The incident occurred during a foot chase, with Mendoza firing shots after Siderio had discarded his gun. The grand jury concluded that Siderio likely fired a Taurus 9mm handgun at the unmarked police car before the fatal chase and that he was shot in the back when unarmed, possibly while surrendering. Mendoza's sentencing is scheduled for July 22.
Ruling-party candidate Claudia Sheinbaum is leading in polls for the upcoming June 2 election in Mexico City, where the second-place candidate also is a woman. Popular President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador is barred from running for another term, paving the way for a potential historic outcome. The main opposition candidate, Xochitl Galvez, faces an uphill battle with support from a coalition of opposition parties. The next president will have a key decision on migration cooperation with the U.S. compared to the current policies. President Lopez Obrador has focused on increasing government aid to deter cartel recruitment.
Prominent human rights activist Rocio San Miguel has been detained by Venezuelan officials on charges of involvement in an alleged plot to kill President Nicolas Maduro. San Miguel, a vocal critic of the government, was arrested on Friday and taken to an undisclosed location. The government has provided few details about the alleged plot. This comes after the recent arrests of 36 government critics who were also accused of having links to plots against President Maduro. The government is preparing to announce the date of the presidential election later this year.
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