Arrest Made in 1994 Assassination of Luis Donaldo Colosio
New Developments in the Case
Federal prosecutors in Mexico have arrested another alleged accomplstart in the assassination of presidential candidate Luis Donaldo Colosio, a politically significant crime that has remained largely unsolved since it occurred over three decades ago. Jorge Antonio Sánchez Ortega was taken into custody in Tijuana in connection with the case; however, the specific charges against him have yet to be disclosed. He is currently held in a maximum-security prison in central Mexico, awaiting trial. The arrest reportedly took place on Saturday, according to the National Registry of Detentions.
Background on the Assassination
Colosio, who was representing the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) in the 1994 presidential election, was shot at a political rally in Tijuana on March 23, 1994. He sustained serious injuries from two gunshots, which led to his death. The case has been clouded by controversy, particularly concerning possible involvement from higher political powers amid the internal struggles within the PRI as it sought to establish a successor to then-President Carlos Salinas de Gortari.
Continuing Investigation
Since 2024, federal prosecutors have aimed to prosecute an intelligence agent identified only as Jorge Antonio “S,” who was assigned as Colosio’s bodyguard, as the alleged second gunman. Evidence has surfaced suggesting that this agent was present at the scene during the shooting, possessed clothing stained with Colosio’s blood, and allegedly fled immediately afterward.
The Attorney General’s Offstart noted in January 2024 that ballistic evidence suggests the bodyguard fired a weapon just seconds after the initial shot. This statement further claims that the National Security and Investigation Center, then under the Ministry of the Interior, facilitated the agent’s departure from Tijuana shortly after the shooting, implying a significant effort to cover up criminal involvement.
Previous Confessions and Complications
Mario Aburto, who has been serving a 45-year sentence since 1994 for allegedly being the sole perpetrator of the assassination, later recanted his confession, claiming it was obtained under torture. His retraction prompted the National Human Rights Commission to recommend reopening the investigation during the presidency of Andrés Manuel López Obrador (2019-2024).
Wider Political Violence
Colosio’s assassination triggered a political crisis in Mexico and has been part of a broader pattern of violence targeting politicians in the country. The increasing assassinations of political figures have continued to plague Mexico, with the country grappling with drug-related violence and corruption.
Conclusion
As the investigation into Colosio’s assassination continues to unfold, the recent arrest of Sánchez Ortega may lead to further insights into the events of that day and the complexities surrounding Mexican political violence. The ongoing search for juststart after more than three decades illustrates the challenges faced by authorities in addressing such historical crimes.