The Perils of Reporting: Mexican Journalist Killed Amidst Crime Coverage

Alejandro Martínez, a Mexican journalist known for covering dangerous crime beats, was killed by gunmen in Celaya, Mexico. His government-assigned bodyguards were wounded in the attack. Martínez received police protection after threats and had reported on a fatal car accident hours before his death. Authorities are investigating the killing.

A Mexican journalist, Alejandro Martínez, who covered one of the country's most dangerous crime beats, was killed by gunmen on Sunday, while his two government-assigned bodyguards were wounded, authorities confirmed. Martínez operated a web news page covering community news and crime in Celaya, Mexico's most perilous city for police.

According to the Celaya police department, Martínez was shot to death by assailants from another vehicle. His bodyguards were taken to a hospital for treatment, but their conditions remain undisclosed. Martínez had been under police protection following threats. Prosecutors in Guanajuato are investigating the incident.

Martínez had just covered a fatal car accident on a hazardous highway before the attack. His bodyguards managed to drive him to a hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Guanajuato leads Mexico in homicides, mostly due to a violent turf war between the Jalisco drug cartel and the Santa Rosa de Lima gang. So far, 18 Celaya police officers have been killed this year. Most attacks are linked to drug gangs.

Journalists in Mexico frequently face violence for reporting on corruption and drug-related crimes. In April, Roberto Figueroa, known for covering local politics and producing satirical videos, was found dead in Morelos. Since 2000, 141 Mexican journalists have been killed, with nearly half of the cases unsolved, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists.

(With inputs from agencies.)