Mayor’s 'decapitated head found on truck' six days after taking office
Topics: Mexico, News, World News
Gerrard Kaonga
Featured Image Credit: Facebook/Alejandro Arcos Catalan/Getty/JESUS GUERRERO
Topics: Mexico, News, World News
Officials have confirmed that a Mexican mayor was murdered less than a week after taking office in a potentially gruesome end.
Guerrero Governor Evelyn Salgado confirmed on Monday (October 7) that the mayor of Mexican city Chilpancingo, Alejandro Arcos, had been killed on Sunday.
This clarification comes after images began circulating on WhatsApp depicting a severed head on top of a pick-up truck, appearing to be that of Arcos.
However, these images have not yet been independently verified.
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Police have not confirmed any details of his death but were pictured at a scene with a truck in Chilpancingo, where the body was reportedly found.
Salgado issued a statement on social media following reports of the mayor’s death.
Writing on Facebook, according to a Google translation, she said: “I strongly condemn the murder of the Municipal President of Chilpancingo, Alejandro Arcos Catalan, which the State General Prosecutor's Office has confirmed, initiating relevant investigations for clarification and to bring those responsible to justice, without giving way to impunity.
“His loss makes the whole society fight and fills us with indignation.
“I have instructed the Secretary of State Public Safety to intensify surveillance and social proximity operations at various points in Chilpancingo.
“To the people of Guerrero, I reiterate the commitment of my government to work in coordination with the authorities of various government orders to guarantee peace and governance in Guerrero, seeking to always advance towards the pacification of our state.”
The state attorney general’s office has said it is currently investigating the murder.
Arcos’ death comes only three days after the new city government's secretary, Francisco Tapia, was shot and killed.
Senator Alejandro Moreno also issued a statement on social media regarding both deaths.
He said: “They were young and honest officials who sought progress for their community."
Guerrero has become one of the deadliest states for aspiring officials and journalists, according to reports.
In the run-up to Mexico's June 2 elections, at least six candidates for public officer were killed in the state.
Other crimes involving officials have also occurred in recent memory.
Last year, a demonstration was organized by criminals to secure the release of two gang leaders who had been arrested in relation to drug and weapons charges.
These demonstrators fought security forces before using a police vehicle to ram down the gates of the state legislative building. Police, state and federal officials were then kidnapped and held hostage until the demands set by the demonstrators had been met.