Arturo Zedillo Pulido, known as “El Pelucas,” was shot dead minutes after leaving the La Mesa prison in Tijuana, Baja California, on the night of September 23.
Details of the killing
A black Volkswagen pulled up to the prison’s entrance to collect the newly released individual. As the vehicle stopped, a gunman stepped forward and fired eight rounds, striking the former inmate multiple times.
Police say the shooter fled in a waiting pickup truck while a second accomplice drove the Volkswagen away. Both vehicles were later found abandoned near a nearby gas station, prompting a rapid response from local law‑enforcement units.
The homicide occurred in the eastern sector of Tijuana, an area long linked to drug‑related violence. Officials have labeled the location a hotspot for rival criminal groups, which often clash over control of trafficking routes.
Background on the suspect
Before his release, the man operated for the Sinaloa Cartel in Tijuana, focusing on the Natura subdivision and surrounding streets. He was believed to work for the Los Mayitos faction, handling drug transport, street sales, and extortion of merchants.
Related: Talent key to harnessing artificial intelligence
During his April 29 arrest, authorities recovered a black AK‑type rifle, a .223 caliber rifle, a .22 caliber revolver with a brown grip, a .40 caliber pistol with a seven‑round metal magazine, and roughly thirty packages of methamphetamine.
Law‑enforcement officials placed him among the principal sources of violence in Tijuana’s eastern zone, noting that multiple organized‑crime groups use the area for illicit activities.
Investigators have launched a joint operation involving Tijuana police and federal security forces to identify the gunmen and their sponsors. The abandoned pickup was discovered a few blocks from the prison, while the Volkswagen remained at a nearby service station.
Witnesses reported hearing a burst of gunfire shortly after the vehicle pulled up. The scene was described as chaotic, with on‑lookers fleeing the area as the shooters vanished.
Authorities have not yet disclosed any arrests related to the attack, but they indicated that the incident may be linked to internal disputes within the cartel.
The search is ongoing.
Related: Pension schemes fall short for remote workers
The murder shows how quickly power vacuums can trigger lethal reprisals, leaving neighborhoods in fear and uncertainty.
Security analysts note that the rapid execution of the hit suggests pre‑meditated planning, likely involving multiple actors familiar with the prison’s release procedures.
The case adds to a growing list of high‑profile killings in the region, where former inmates often become targets shortly after regaining freedom.
Local residents expressed frustration over the persistent violence, describing the area as “a place where you never feel safe, even after the sun sets.”
Further details are expected to emerge as the investigation continues, with officials promising regular updates on the search for those responsible.
Leave a Reply