Mérida Families Allege Police Protection Network Amid Death Threats and Vandalism

Mérida, Yucatán — Families in the Lázaro Cárdenas neighborhood of Mérida have publicly accused a former judicial police officer of terrorizing the area for over a year and a half, alleging he operates with impunity due to connections within state police forces.

Residents identify the alleged aggressor as Mario Alberto Cantú Martínez, a former state judicial police officer. They claim he has carried out verbal assaults, vandalism, and death threats, and that police patrols have failed to intervene effectively despite multiple 911 calls.

Ivonne Saravia, one of the affected residents, said the attacks escalated to direct death threats against her, her husband, and their minor daughters. She reported that during a recent early morning, several individuals vandalized her home and vehicle while threatening to burn the house down and kill the family.

Neighbors describe a pattern of systematic violence, including loud music played all night, intimidation, and property damage. They say patrols arrive, observe the situation, and then leave without taking action against Cantú Martínez.

The complainants allege that Cantú Martínez boasts of being untouchable due to friendships with high-ranking police officials, specifically naming Carlos Flores, director of the State Investigation Police (PEI), and Commander Gabriel Ramírez, known as “El Grillo.” These accusations have not been independently verified.

Guadalupe Jiménez Encalada, another neighbor, said the constant noise and aggression have severely affected the emotional health of her granddaughter, who has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Level 1. The child experiences anxiety episodes due to the extreme noise pollution from parties and loud music lasting through the night.

Data from organizations such as México Evalúa and Impunidad Cero indicate that impunity rates for common crimes in Yucatán range between 85% and 92%, meaning most complaints never reach a resolution. The complainants say the State Prosecutor’s Office has scheduled an appointment for June to continue the legal process, even as death threats and vandalism continue.

Residents are demanding that the Public Security Department (SSP), the State Prosecutor’s Office, and other authorities act before the situation escalates into an irreversible tragedy. They warn that ignored threats have led to preventable tragedies elsewhere in Mexico, including femicides and homicides preceded by multiple complaints.