Union Leader’s Accomplice Wins Legal Reprieve

Cancún, Mexico — The case concerning the homicide of union leader Mario Machuca has taken a new turn after Lesly María Rodríguez, accused of complicity, obtained an injunction that could benefit her legal situation.

The Seventh District Court admitted a petition for an injunction on Friday against the order linking her to the legal process, which was decreed on September 27. This followed her detention in the state of Guanajuato the previous month.

"The provisional suspension is GRANTED for the following effects: The complainant shall remain at the disposal of this court regarding her personal liberty and at the disposal of the judge of the cause for the continuation of the proceedings instituted against her," is stated in the court file for the indirect amparo trial 1100/2025, consulted by Sol Quintana Roo.

The federal judge set the next Thursday, October 30, for an incidental hearing to determine whether the measure will be ratified or withdrawn.

Details of the Accusation

According to a report from the Attorney General's Office of Quintana Roo, the detainee is considered a direct accomplice and an essential part of the planning of the homicide that occurred on August 4, which took the life of Mario Machuca.

The investigations indicate that the crime was orchestrated from Tulum, where Lesly and Luis Fernando, alias "El Ingeniero"—the former assistant of the murdered leader and alleged intellectual author of the crime—met to plan the attack.

The woman allegedly provided photographs, locations, and logistics to carry out the assassination in Cancún.

Motive Points to Union Dispute

The motive for the crime points to a union dispute between the CROC and the CATEM over the control of dues and collective bargaining agreements in areas such as the mainland portion of Isla Mujeres and tourist developments in Tulum.

According to the Attorney General's Office, Mario Machuca had opposed the expansion of the CATEM, which generated tensions with "El Ingeniero," who was frustrated by not obtaining contracts in those regions. This economic and territorial conflict is believed to have been the trigger for the crime.

Further Involvement

Lesly María, who abandoned her union position shortly after the murder, is also implicated in the provision of weapons and contacts with hitmen from Mexico City.

In a key meeting held at a truck enclosure on the Tulum-Cobá highway, the details of the attack were agreed upon. The detainee handed over the necessary information for the aggressors to locate the victim, who was executed in a parking lot in Cancún.