Mother Hails Arrest of Psychiatrist in Cancún Abuse Case

Cancún, Mexico — The mother of a minor who reported being sexually abused by psychiatrist Edgar Landeros Galicia more than two years ago expressed gratitude to authorities for his arrest, which occurred last night in the Lomas Virreyes neighborhood of Cancún.

In a brief statement, the woman acknowledged Governor Mara Lezama Espinosa for her "ongoing commitment and closeness to our cause."

"In the most difficult moments, her support has given us strength. She not only kept her word but walked with us through this painful process, offering encouragement, hope, and attention," the mother stated.

The woman, whose name was withheld in the statement, emphasized that the governor "leads the state security meetings daily with sensitivity and firmness, addressing high-impact crimes and decisively protecting girls, boys, and adolescents."

She also thanked Prosecutor Raciel López Salazar, recognizing his "commitment, professionalism, and sensitivity."

"His arrival at the Prosecutor’s Office marked a new direction: one of hope. Thanks to him, we never lost faith that justice would be served. Thank you for cleaning up, strengthening, and dignifying an institution that too often failed to listen to victims," she added.

The mother extended her gratitude to Landy Blanco Lizama, Commissioner for Victim Assistance in Quintana Roo (CEAVEQROO); María Elena García Flores, Director of Citizen Participation at the Prosecutor’s Office; Angélica Vázquez López, Prosecutor for Sexual Crimes; and feminist collectives that supported her while the psychiatrist remained at large.

"If you were a victim of this psychiatrist, we understand the pain of silence, the scars it leaves, and the fear that paralyzes. You are not alone. What happened to you was not your fault. It is never too late to speak up. It is never too late to report," she urged.

Finally, the mother called on judicial authorities to rule against the psychiatrist so her daughter could obtain justice for the abuse she endured.

"We trust the authorities, and with the apprehension of psychiatrist Edgar N., we demand justice for a minor in a vulnerable state who was a victim of this grave crime. We will not rest until he is punished to the fullest extent of the law for the harm he caused and for the dignity of all girls and adolescents who deserve to live free from violence," she concluded.

Background of the Case

The incident leading to the arrest occurred on September 19, 2022, when the minor visited the psychiatrist for a therapy session. According to the victim, the psychiatrist inappropriately touched her before sexually assaulting her—an act she alleged had occurred on previous occasions.

The psychiatrist was initially arrested in April 2023 after the victim accused him of rape. Despite sufficient evidence, a judge granted him house arrest within 24 hours, after which he evaded authorities.

In February 2024, the Prosecutor’s Office issued a reward of 500,000 pesos for information leading to his capture. Due to lack of results, the reward was later increased to one million pesos and, following pressure from the victim’s family, doubled to two million pesos last month.

The arrest marks a pivotal moment in a case that has drawn attention to systemic failures in protecting victims of sexual violence.