Mexican journalist Miguel Ángel Beltrán, known for his coverage of organized crime and drug cartels, was found murdered on Saturday, October 25, 2025, along a highway connecting Durango to Mazatlán in the cartel-dominated state of Sinaloa. His body, wrapped in a blanket, was discovered with a handwritten note that read: “For spreading false accusations against the people of Durango.” Yahoo CBS News
Beltrán, aged 60, had previously worked in print media but more recently reported on cartel activity through social media platforms, including TikTok under the handle Capo and Facebook via La Gazzetta Durango. In one of his final posts on October 22, he warned of potential violence following the arrest of a local gang leader, suggesting that “bloodshed” could erupt in Durango Yahoo CBS News.
His death was confirmed by the Durango state prosecutor’s office, and his body was identified by his son. The killing marks the ninth journalist murdered in Mexico in 2025, underscoring the country’s status as one of the most dangerous places in the world for media professionals CBS News MSN.
The message left at the scene is consistent with tactics used by criminal groups to intimidate journalists and silence reporting on cartel operations. Beltrán’s murder has sparked renewed calls for protection of press freedom and accountability for crimes against journalists.
International watchdogs, including Reporters Without Borders and Committee to Protect Journalists, have condemned the killing and urged Mexican authorities to conduct a thorough investigation.
Mexico’s federal government has yet to issue a formal statement, but local media and advocacy groups warn that impunity remains a major barrier to justice in cases involving violence against journalists.
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