Catholic priest killed in an armed attack in Mexico
An investigation has been launched into the murder of Catholic priest Román de la Cruz Hernández, who was found dead in the state of Hidalgo.
Quick Look
- Catholic priest Román de la Cruz Hernández was killed in an armed attack in the Mexican state of Hidalgo.
- Authorities launched a murder investigation into the incident.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Hernández became the 14th cleric killed in Mexico in the last seven years. Hidalgo state is among the regions where illegal fuel trade is intense.
Catholic priest Román de la Cruz Hernández died as a result of an armed attack in the central Mexican state of Hidalgo.
The Hidalgo Attorney General's Office announced that Hernández's body was found on the Tolago-Tetlapaya highway in the municipality of Lolotla on September 15.
According to local media reports, gunshot wounds were detected on the body of the 48-year-old priest. A threatening message, the content of which was not shared with the public, was found near the body.
Hidalgo Chief Public Prosecutor's Office officials reported that a murder investigation was launched regarding the incident.
While it was stated that a forensic investigation was carried out at the scene, no information was given about the content of the message found with the priest and the possible cause of the murder, for the sake of the safety of the investigation.
Hernández was serving as a priest at the Church of Santa Cruz in the Huejutla region of Hidalgo state.
CALL FROM THE CHURCH FOR A “COMprehensive INVESTIGATION”
In a statement following the murder, the Diocese of Huejutla expressed its sadness over the incident and called on the authorities for a comprehensive investigation.
Bishop José Hiraís Acosta Beltrán stated that murder should not go unpunished and called for strengthening the culture of peace and reconciliation in society.
The diocese also asked that no speculation be made regarding the motive for the murder while the investigation is ongoing.
According to the data of the Catholic Church, Hernández became the 14th religious official killed in Mexico in the last seven years.
Hidalgo state is also among the regions where illegal fuel trade is intense. The state government announced that 16 tunnels determined to be used for illegal fuel theft were destroyed in the period between June and August alone.
However, at this stage, authorities have not established a direct connection between Hernández's murder and the illegal fuel trade or criminal organizations in the region.
Open Questions
- What is the content of the threatening message found next to the body?
- What is the possible motive behind the murder?
