Seven bodyguards arrested over Mexico mayor's assassination

"The killing of Carlos Manzo has caused widespread shock and outrage, prompting antigovernment protests. Seven members of Mexican mayor Carlos Manzo's security detail have been arrested as suspects in his killing, according to the prosecutor's office. The prosecutor's office said on Friday that the guards, who were active police officers, were detained as part of an investigation into their probable involvement in the crime of qualified homicide of the politician."

"The alleged perpetrator was a 17-year-old boy who was killed by the politician's guards. Local and federal authorities have said that organised crime was likely behind the assassination. The assassination of Manzo during an event in the city marking the Day of the Dead caused widespread shock and outrage across the nation. It ignited antigovernment protests and led to the reinforcement of federal forces in Michoacan, a state in western Mexico."

"Manzo, 40, had gained popularity as a crusader against organised crime in the troubled state. He had served as mayor of Uruapan for a little over a year and had campaigned on fighting Mexico's notorious and powerful drug cartels. Until their arrests, the seven guards remained active, tasked with protecting Manzo's widow, Grecia Quiroz, who was appointed by the state Congress to replace him as mayor of Uruapan, officials said."

Seven members of Mayor Carlos Manzo's security detail, all active police officers, were arrested as suspects in his killing. Manzo was shot dead in front of his family on November 1 during a Day of the Dead event. A 17-year-old alleged perpetrator was killed by the politician's guards during the incident. Local and federal authorities have said organised crime was likely behind the assassination. The killing ignited antigovernment protests and led to the reinforcement of federal forces in Michoacan. Manzo had campaigned against drug cartels and was considered a crusader; until their arrests the seven guards had been protecting his widow, Grecia Quiroz.

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