17-Year-Old Cold Case Solved: Arrest in Jazmine N Murder

CHETUMAL, QR. – Seventeen years after the homicide and rape of 10-year-old Jazmine N, the State Attorney General’s Office (FGE) reported the arrest and formal charging of the alleged perpetrator, identified as José “N”, alias “El Chilango”. The case, which occurred in 2008, shocked Chetumal society and remained unresolved for years.

According to the FGE, the defendant is accused of the crimes of rape, statutory rape, and aggravated homicide. Although details of his capture were not disclosed, authorities confirmed that the criminal proceedings are underway and that he has been ordered to remain in preventive detention.

Just last November 21, the Xtabay Collective, along with the minor’s relatives, held a press conference to demand the case be clarified and justice for Jazmine N, reigniting social pressure for authorities to resume investigations.

The Prosecutor’s Office recalled that the events occurred on November 22, 2008, when the alleged perpetrator was returning home on a bicycle after work and having consumed alcoholic beverages. While passing through the Infonavit Proterritorio neighborhood, he allegedly intercepted Jazmine N.

According to the investigations, the defendant stopped to talk with the girl, offered her some candy, and allegedly convinced her to accompany him to a dirt road area, where he then threatened her with a bladed weapon and sexually assaulted her.

Forensic and expert reports established that Jazmine N attempted to defend herself, suffering wounds to her hemithorax, arms, face, and right leg. Despite her young age and build, she managed to injure her attacker; however, the injuries caused her death.

The crime generated a strong social reaction in the state capital at the time, leading to demonstrations and marches demanding justice. As a result of that pressure, personnel from the former State Attorney General’s Office (PGJE) arrested a bricklayer identified as Aníbal “N” six days after the homicide.

However, the case was surrounded by controversy, as people close to the detainee pointed to him as a possible scapegoat. Finally, the Second Criminal Court of Chetumal released him after issuing an acquittal, as insufficient evidence was found to incriminate him.

After that ruling, the case remained archived for several years. However, social pressure and new demonstrations motivated the FGE to reopen the investigation in search of justice for Jazmine N.

According to the autonomous body, on December 15 of this year, the preliminary investigation was submitted to the Traditional Criminal Court. Days later, an arrest warrant was issued against José “N”, which was executed by Ministerial Police officers.

After the legal term concluded, a judge ordered the formal charging, issued the formal imprisonment order, and mandated preventive detention as a precautionary measure, so the defendant will remain incarcerated while the judicial process continues.