Union leader Mario Machuca Sánchez is fatally slain in Cancún
In the aftermath of the assassination of Mario Machuca Sánchez, Secretary General of the Confederación Revolucionaria de Obreros y Campesinos (CROC) in Cancún, a coordinated investigation was launched by federal and local authorities. The investigation has led to the arrest of three suspects in Mexico City.
On August 4, 2025, Mario Machuca Sánchez was assassinated in broad daylight in the municipality of Benito Juárez, Quintana Roo. The incident took place at around 2:00 p.m. at the intersection of Kabah and Chichén Itzá avenues in central Cancún. According to investigators, Machuca was inside a black Chevrolet Tahoe SUV parked outside an automotive dealership when two assailants on a motorcycle approached. One of the assailants wore a food delivery backpack to avoid suspicion, and they opened fire, hitting the vehicle at least six times. Machuca died instantly from multiple gunshot wounds.
Investigations suggest that Ángel Yair Sánchez Ordaz, Arnulfo Espíndola Mercado, and Guillermo Nieto Martínez are the suspects arrested in connection with the case. On August 8, these three suspects were arrested in Mexico City's Venustiano Carranza borough. The Federal Prosecutor's Office (FGR) is involved in investigating this homicide.
According to reports, Sánchez Ordaz was allegedly offered 50,000 pesos, a paid flight to Cancún, and hotel accommodations to carry out the murder. However, it is believed that after three attempts, the murder was successfully carried out, and Sánchez Ordaz was later asked to commit two more killings but reportedly never received further payment.
The suspects face charges related to homicide and drug possession, as authorities seized marijuana, a cellphone, and identification documents during the operation. The motive behind the assassination is believed to be linked to Machuca's union activities, and the incident has heightened scrutiny of organized crime's infiltration into labor organizations.
The death of Mario Machuca Sánchez has sparked calls for justice, and the case continues to be under investigation with other possibilities regarding the motive remaining under investigation.
Read also:
- Massive 8.8 earthquake hits off the coast of Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula, prompting Japan to issue a tsunami alert.
- Court petitions to reverse established decision on same-sex marriage legalization
- Proposed Standardization of Food Labeling Laws Among Member States by the Commission
- Experimenting with Merz's Germany has stretched into an extended period of time, resembling a numerous three-month duration.
