Cartel Members Kidnap and Kill Penal Lawyer in Tonalá, Jalisco

“MX” for Borderland Beat

On Wednesday of last week, unknown subjects kidnapped Juan Ramon Valadez Hernandez, a penal lawyer and university professor who was driving a gray BMW car at a road crossing in Tonalá, Jalisco.

Witnesseses said that the culprits blocked the driver’s way with two vehicles; they shot the lawyer’s vehicle, took him out of his car, put him in the trunk of a truck and then drove away. The incident was captured on camera and shared on social media.

Investigators say that there is already formal complaint filed by his relatives. They are providing the few details regarding what may have happened. The motive is unclear at this time but investigators believe it may be related to victim’s profession.

“We are considering that he may have been kidnapped for his professional activities as a penal attorney. But there are not many advances in the investigation so far”, the Jalisco Attorney General said.

On Friday, authorities found a dead man in Tonala that may be the attorney. The body had wounds on the upper part of the back, apparently produced by a firearm projectile. In addition, he had a bandage that covered his abdomen and lower back.

Personnel from the Jalisco Institute of Forensic Sciences, when handling the body, found the lawyer’s business cards, as well as a professional license from the state of Jalisco, a driver’s license, a teaching credential and other documents, all in the name of Juan Ramón Valadez.

Sources: Mexico Codigo Rojo; El Occidente; Vallarta Uno