María Elena Martínez Robles, who previously served as the mayor of Amanalco, Estado de México, has been found guilty of orchestrating the murders of two individuals: the municipal syndic Miguel Ángel Lara de la Cruz and his driver, referred to by the initials G.J.R. These gruesome events occurred on January 25, 2023, and were tied to the political dynamics of Martínez Robles's administration.
The investigation revealed that the victims, acting in their official capacities, were sent by Martínez Robles to a dangerous area controlled by criminal groups, where they ultimately met their tragic fate. It was determined that she directly instructed members of the criminal organization La Familia Michoacana to execute the murders, aiming to maintain control over municipal governance.
The court's upcoming hearing will address the sentencing phase, where the penalties for the convicted former mayor will be discussed. According to the Penal Code of the State of Mexico, qualified homicide can result in sentences ranging from 40 to 70 years in prison.
Martínez Robles initially ran for office with the Movimiento Ciudadano party but later switched her political allegiance to Morena after conflicts with the syndic over political control within the municipality. Her arrest occurred as part of "Operation Enjambre," a coordinated effort by state and federal authorities targeting municipal officials suspected of having ties to criminal organizations.