Chemistry Student in Tijuana Killed For Reportedly Refusing to Work for the Cartel

“MX” for Borderland Beat

A student from the Autonomous University of Baja California (UABC) in Tijuana who was about to graduate with a chemistry degree this month was killed for reportedly refusing to work for the cartel.

The student, Juan Manuel Delgado Cardenas (aged 24), was killed on Friday afternoon inside his home. Gunmen broke into his house with the intent to kill him, investigators say. Juan Manuel was playing video games with his 12-year-old brother when he was shot dead. Several other family members were wounded.

So far, investigators say that the killing was carried out by a local cartel because Juan Manuel refused to work for them. They believe that cartel members wanted Juan Manuel to work at one of their clandestine drug labs to create synthetic drugs.

The Baja California Attorney General’s Office is actively investigating the murder. No one has been arrested thus far.

In a city where violence is a daily occurrence, Juan Manuel’s murder stood out due to its unusual circumstances surrounding the crime.

The rector of the UABC, Daniel Octavio Valdez Delgadillo, condemned the attack and lamented the incident.

“The university’s community sends its condolences to the family and friends for the tragic death of Juan Manuel”, he said in a press release.

Juan Manuel’s friends remember him for his short tint as a professional boxer in Tijuana and for his athleticism. He was also a coach and tried children and teenagers at a local boxing gym before he was killed.

“He was killed just before he graduated. Juan Manuel had a lot of friends and goals to fulfill. He was very dedicated and passionate”, a friend said.

Sources: Milenio; El Debate; El Imparcial; La Silla Rota; ADN40