Five Mexican musicians were murdered by alleged members of a drug cartel after being hired to perform at a concert in the city of Reynosa, in the northeastern state of Tamaulipas. The bodies of the musicians, aged between 20 and 40, were discovered after they went missing on Sunday. According to authorities, nine suspects were arrested in connection with their abduction and killing. Tamaulipas Attorney General Irving Barrios stated that the suspects are part of the “Los Metros” faction of the Gulf Cartel.
“Law enforcement arrested nine individuals considered likely responsible for the events. They are known to be members of a criminal cell of the Gulf Cartel,” Barrios said at a news conference. The musicians were members of a local band called Fugitivo and had been hired to perform at a concert, but arrived to find that the location was a vacant lot. Relatives had reported receiving ransom demands for the musicians.
Investigators used video surveillance footage and mobile phone tracking to establish the musicians’ last movements. Nine firearms and two vehicles were seized during the investigation. Tamaulipas is considered one of Mexico’s most dangerous states due to the presence of cartel members involved in drug and migrant trafficking, as well as other crimes, including extortion.
Mexican musicians have been targeted previously by cartel members amid rivalry, as some receive payment to compose and perform songs that glorify the exploits of gang leaders. Over 480,000 people have been killed in drug-related violence and organized crime, and about 120,000 people have gone missing in Mexico.