3 Hitmen in CROC Leader Murder Moved to Cancún Prison

Cancún, Quintana Roo — Three alleged hitmen linked to the murder of Mario Machuca Sánchez, a local leader of the Revolutionary Confederation of Workers and Campesinos (CROC), have been transferred to the Cancún Center for Social Reclusion and Rehabilitation. The suspects—Ángel Yair “N,” Arnulfo “N,” and Óscar Guillermo “N”—were arrested in Mexico City and will face prosecution for the aggravated homicide of the labor leader.

Key Evidence Ties Suspects to the Crime

Investigators confirmed that Ángel Yair “N” was wearing the same cap during his arrest as the one seen in footage of the killing. Arnulfo “N,” who also has an outstanding arrest warrant for a March 2025 aggravated robbery, wore the same pants as on the day of the murder. Óscar Guillermo “N” allegedly orchestrated the hit, offering the assailants 50,000 pesos plus expenses for travel, food, and lodging. According to reports, he was also instructed to carry out two additional murders but was never paid.

The Murder of Mario Machuca

On the afternoon of August 4, Ángel Yair “N,” disguised as a food delivery worker, shot Machuca seven times with a .45-caliber weapon in a parking lot in Supermanzana 42. Arnulfo “N” waited nearby on a motorcycle as the getaway driver. After the killing, the suspects abandoned the motorcycle and a delivery backpack containing sweatshirts, face masks, and helmets in Supermanzana 27—all later seized as evidence.

Surveillance and Escape

Investigations revealed that Ángel Yair “N” and Arnulfo “N” traveled from Mexico City to Benito Juárez on August 1 and initially stayed at a downtown hotel. They later moved to a rented apartment from August 2–6, booked by Óscar Guillermo “N” via a digital platform. During their stay, they surveilled Machuca’s workplace and movements.

After the murder, the suspects fled to Playa del Carmen, spent the night in a hotel, and flew from Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport to Mexico City the following day.

Forensic Breakthrough

Agents from the Quintana Roo Attorney General’s Office (FGE) searched the suspects’ rented apartment and recovered the murder weapon—a .45-caliber firearm restricted to military use. Ballistic tests confirmed it matched shell casings found at the crime scene.

The suspects were later captured in Mexico City by an interagency task force and extradited to Benito Juárez to stand trial.