Mexico arrests El R1, suspected mastermind in Uruapan mayor killing
The case tied to nationwide protests now spans at least 31 arrests, including the teenage gunman and the victim’s bodyguards.
Mexico has arrested Ramon Angel, alias El R1, the suspect accused of ordering the killing of Uruapan Mayor Carlos Manzo in Michoacan state. Security Minister Omar Garcia Harfuch identified El R1 as the leader of Los Rs, a criminal cell affiliated with the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, or CJNG. Authorities made the arrest after months of intelligence work in a joint operation involving police, special forces and the military.
Manzo was killed on Nov. 1, 2025, during Day of the Dead celebrations, an attack that shocked Mexico and triggered protests over the security crisis. Authorities say Los Rs was involved in extortion, murder and drug trafficking in Michoacan and Jalisco. The arrest of El R1 brings the total in the case to 31, according to authorities. Manzo’s wife, Grecia Quiroz, who now serves as mayor of Uruapan, said the arrest was only the beginning of uncovering the case.