A mayor in Mexico was found brutally murdered just six days into his tenure after his decapitated head was found on top of his own car.
Alejandro Arcos, 43, had just taken office as mayor of the city of Chilpancingo less than a week before his death.
His death was confirmed by the state prosecutor’s office, as reported by the New York Post, and the state attorney general’s office is investigating.
According to reports, Arcos's body was found inside his pickup truck on Sunday night, while his head had been left on top of the vehicle.
Guerrero Gov. Evelyn Salgado said in a statement shared on social media: "His loss mourns the entire Guerrero society and fills us with indignation."
On the day he was brutally killed, Arcos had earlier visited neighborhoods in Chilpancingo that had been damaged during Hurricane John.
His death makes him the second official to be murdered in Guerrero’s capital, which houses around 280,000 people, in less than a week.
Francisco Tapia, a new government secretary, was also shot and killed just three days earlier, leaving residents reeling.
Sen. Alejandro Moreno wrote on X: "They had been in office for less than a week.
"They were young and honest officials who sought progress for their community. Our condolences and solidarity go out to their families."
Guerrero has become known as one of the deadliest states for local politicians and journalists, with at least six candidates for different public offices being killed leading up to Mexico’s June elections, according to the Post.
Chilpancingo has also faced violent crime across many years, largely due to conflicts between two rival gangs, the Ardillos and the Tlacos.
Arcos was given the opportunity to run for mayor after Norma Otilia Hernández, who previously held the position, was filmed allegedly holding a meeting with leaders of the gangs at a restaurant.
Following the footage, she was subsequently expelled from her party, and Arcos was elected in her place.
In July 2023, federal officials stated that a demonstration held in Chilpancingo had been organized by the Ardillos to force the release of two of its leaders, who'd been arrested for possession of drugs and weapons.
The demonstration lasted for two days and began to block the traffic on the highway between Mexico City and Acapulco.
Demonstrators had battled security forces, even stealing an armored police truck, which was then used to break down the gates of the state legislature building.
The demonstrators also abducted 10 members of the state police and National Guard, as well as three state and federal officials.
The hostages were eventually released after state authorities promised to invest in public works projects in exchange.
A statement shared on Arcos's Facebook page by his family said: "Alejandro Arcos Catalan, a man whose life was marked by his unwavering commitment to peace, unity and service to others, leaves us a legacy of hope and love, an example of tireless devotion to his community and his family.
"His spirit will continue to guide us, reminding us always the importance of building a more just and peaceful world.
"We deeply appreciate the support and affection received at this time. In his memory, let us continue his mission of unity, peace and hope, values he always defended with all his being."
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