Nine Arrested After Grupo Fugitivo Found Dead

Five members of the Mexican regional band Grupo Fugitivo, missing since Sunday, were found dead in Reynosa, Tamaulipas, a region plagued by cartel violence. Authorities report the musicians were kidnapped around 10 p.m. while on their way to a performance, and their families received ransom and extortion calls after their disappearance. Nine suspects, believed to be affiliated with the Gulf Cartel, have been arrested, though the motive remains unclear. The musicians were reportedly lured to a deserted lot instead of a concert venue, sparking local protests and demonstrations. This case underscores the ongoing dangers faced by musicians in regions affected by organized crime and extortion in Mexico. Since 2006, over 480,000 people have been killed and 120,000 are missing in Tamaulipas due to criminal activity.