"Socalj" for Borderland Beat
On October 1, 2024, the capital city of Guerrero inaugurated a new Mayor, Alejandro Arcos Catalán. 6 days later, his decapitated head was found on the roof of a pickup truck, his body found stuffed inside of the truck.
It was a grim reminder of the violence that had occurred leading up to the June elections that saw nearly 40 political candidates assassinated throughout the country. Authorities announced the recent arrest of a retired military Captain who became a special prosecutor, and recently in charge of security for Chilpancingo for his involvement in the murder.
This arrest was also a reminder of the collusion and corruption between cartels, local gangs, politicians and law enforcement in the region that has seen battles between gangs allied with larger cartels including the Los Ardillos and Los Tlacos.
