Mexico: Son of Celaya Mayor in Guanajuato State Shot Dead by Gunmen in Ambush Attack

The son of Celaya mayor in Mexico's state of Guanajuato was shot and killed by several gunmen while sitting inside his vehicle Wednesday afternoon.

According to Borderland Beat, Guillermo Mendoza Suarez, the son of Celaya mayor Javier Mendoza Marquez, was ambushed by the attackers at around 3 p.m. on the corner of Madero and 2 de Abril streets.

Milenio reported that the body of the mayor's son was left lying inside his black Grand Cherokee SUV. Local media reported that Mendoza Suarez was in the area to make some purchases when armed men shot him.

In a video of the aftermath, several bullet holes were visible in the passenger side window. Authorities noted that this indicated that the gunmen were accurate and well-trained or standing near the mayor's son at the time of the shooting.

Hours following the assassination of the mayor's son, screenshots of a threat, allegedly from the armed men, circulated online. It was a threat directed toward the mayor, saying his family will be killed until he upheld his end of an existing deal with the criminal group.

However, Borderland Beat reported that this message has yet to be confirmed if it was real. Guanajuato Governor Diego Sinhue Rodriguez Vallejo condemned the attack in a recent post on Twitter. The governor called the attack "cowardly."

The Celaya City Council also mourned the loss of the mayor's son, and they extend their condolences to the mayor and his wife, Rosita Suarez.

Violence in Mexico's Guanajuato State Escalated After Arrest of Jalisco Cartel Leader

This horrific incident was the latest in a series of violent crimes in the beleaguered state of Guanajuato in Mexico. Guanajuato recently experienced widespread violence after members of the infamous Jalisco cartel committed shootouts with police and burned cars and storefronts.

It was reportedly in retaliation for the arrest of Ricardo Ruiz Velasco, also known as "El Doble R," a lieutenant in the Jalisco cartel. At least three vehicles were set on fire in Celaya, and 14 businesses, including convenience stores and pharmacies, were burned in Irapuato. Celaya and Irapuato are two cities in Guanajuato state.

Mexican Drug Cartels in Mexico's State of Guanajuato

Guanajuato is currently the most violent state in Mexico by murder count due to disputes between Mexican drug cartels. The state has recorded 1,566 homicide cases so far this year, which is 10% higher than the country's total.

Mexican drug cartels like the Jalisco cartel and the home-grown Santa Rosa de Lima gang are reportedly fighting for control of trafficking routes for drugs and stolen fuel.

The bloodbath in Guanajuato reportedly started in 2018 when the Jalisco New Generation Cartel or Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion (CJNG) moved into the state. The Jalisco cartel is infamous for its public displays of violence and military power.

According to the U.S. State Department, the Jalisco cartel is one of the most violent drug trafficking organizations currently operating in Mexico, with "the highest cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine trafficking capacity."

Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera is currently leading the Jalisco cartel. The U.S. government has offered a $10 million reward for information leading to his arrest as he continues to evade capture.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: Americans Warned to Avoid Travel to Mexico Due to Recent Cartel Violence - From KTLA 5