Five Musicians Killed in Suspected Mexican Cartel Attack

Fugitivo Group Abducted en Route to Event
Those killed — who were between the ages of 20 and 40 — were members of Grupo Fugitivo, a group that played regional Mexican music. They disappeared on 25 May as they drove to a concert in the northern Mexican state of Tamaulipas. Messages for ransom were quickly sent to their families, causing fears for their safety.

Irving Barrios Mojica, the attorney general of Tamaulipas, said: "The bodies of the two journalists have been found and we have arrested nine suspects in connection with this atrocious crime and atrocities against them." In addition to the arrests, law enforcement seized nine guns and two vehicles.

Investigators Look For Motive As Violence Continues To Increase
Investigators have yet to uncover why the group was targeted. Grupo Fugitivo performed genres like corridos, songs that have at times glorified cartel figures. However, it is not known whether the group was targeted because of their music or simply caught up in the spate of violence in the area.
Tamaulipas has long been heavily bandit-ridden due to its being in the grip of the Gulf Cartel. The Trump administration has designated the group a global terrorist organization, part of a group of criminal networks receiving that designation.

Earlier this year, the US embassy issued a “do not travel” alert for several Mexican regions, including Reynosa. It warned of significant risks of crime and kidnapping and mentioned regular armed clashes both in and around the city. The US State Department warned that in the region – particularly from Reynosa to Nuevo Laredo – local law enforcement is frequently without the resources they need to combat violent crime, cartel members move openly and with broad impunity.