On August 4, 2025, Mario Machuca Sánchez, Secretary General of the Confederación Revolucionaria de Obreros y Campesinos (CROC) in Cancún and former federal deputy, was assassinated in broad daylight in the municipality of Benito Juárez, Quintana Roo. The attack occurred around 2:00 p.m. at the intersection of Kabah and Chichén Itzá avenues, a busy area in central Cancún.
Machuca was inside a black Chevrolet Tahoe SUV parked outside an automotive dealership when two assailants on a motorcycle approached. One of them wore a food delivery backpack, allegedly to avoid suspicion. They opened fire, hitting the vehicle at least six times. Machuca died instantly from multiple gunshot wounds.
Investigation and Arrests
Following the attack, a coordinated investigation was launched by federal and local authorities. On August 8, three suspects—Ángel Yair Sánchez Ordaz (21), Arnulfo Espíndola Mercado (34), and Guillermo Nieto Martínez (47)—were arrested in Mexico City’s Venustiano Carranza borough. Authorities seized marijuana, a cellphone, and identification documents during the operation.
According to investigators, Sánchez Ordaz was allegedly offered 50,000 pesos, a paid flight to Cancún, and hotel accommodations to carry out the murder. After two failed attempts, the third attempt succeeded. He was later asked to commit two more killings but reportedly never received further payment.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
The suspects are now in custody and face charges related to homicide and drug possession. The motive is believed to be linked to Machuca’s union activities, though other possibilities remain under investigation. His death has sparked calls for justice and heightened scrutiny of organized crime’s infiltration into labor organizations.
Source: El Economista
