**Sinaloa Prosecutor Releases Video on Alleged Attack Against Cuén, Associate of “El Mayo”**
The Sinaloa State Attorney General’s Office (FGE) released a video on August 12, 2024, purporting to show an attack on Héctor Melesio Cuén Ojeda, leader of the Partido Sinaloense (PAS), a newly elected federal deputy, and former rector of the Autonomous University of Sinaloa (UAS). The footage, dated July 25 at 9:57 PM, captures a vehicle arriving at a gas station followed by a gunman dismounting from a motorcycle. The assailant forcibly opens the vehicle door, a gunshot rings out, and the attacker flees. The vehicle then speeds away, supporting the state prosecutor’s version of events regarding the attack on the politician.
Ismael Mario Zambada García, also known as “El Mayo,” a prominent figure in the Sinaloa cartel, released a statement on August 10, 2024, through his lawyer, detailing that Joaquín Guzmán López, son of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, had kidnapped him in Culiacán when he was due to meet with Sinaloa Governor Rubén Rocha Moya and Cuén Ojeda, who was killed on the day both cartel leaders were detained on July 25.
“El Mayo” recounted in his letter that Guzmán’s son requested his presence to resolve political conflicts in Sinaloa between Rocha Moya and Cuén Ojeda. When “El Mayo” arrived at the prearranged location in Huertos del Pedregal, outside Culiacán, he was ambushed by numerous armed men in military garb, believed to be Guzmán’s men.
He was accompanied by four security agents, two who remained outside and two who entered with him: José Rosario Heras López, a commander of the Sinaloa State Judicial Police, and Rodolfo Chaidez, a long-time member of his security team. Cuén Ojeda was reportedly present at the meeting and was shot around 10:00 PM while driving his personal vehicle on the Mexico 15 International Highway near La Presita. He was transported to a private clinic but died half an hour later at the age of 68.
Regarding the official statement by Sinaloa authorities, “El Mayo” disputed the claim that Cuén was shot by two motorcycle assailants during an attempted car robbery at a gas station. He insisted Cuén was killed at the same time and location as his own kidnapping and lamented the former rector’s death as well as the disappearance of his security agents, Heras López and Chaidez.
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**Violence Escalates in Sinaloa as Authorities Investigate Recent Incidents**
As the investigation into the attack on Héctor Melesio Cuén Ojeda continues, Sinaloa authorities are grappling with a spike in violent incidents tied to the ongoing power struggle within the region’s criminal factions. Just days after Cuén’s death, local law enforcement has reported a series of armed confrontations in Culiacán and its surrounding areas.
According to sources, these confrontations have resulted in multiple fatalities and arrests, further entangling the web of allegations involving prominent cartel figures. The state government has promised increased security measures and a thorough investigation to curb the wave of violence and ensure justice for the victims.
**Public Reaction and Political Implications**
The assassination of Héctor Melesio Cuén Ojeda has sent shockwaves through the Sinaloa political landscape. Social media platforms have been buzzing with reactions from citizens and political figures alike, calling for heightened security and more rigorous measures to counteract the influence of organized crime in the region.
Political analysts suggest that the killing of Cuén, combined with the cartel’s internal conflicts, could have broader implications for local governance and electoral outcomes. Governor Rubén Rocha Moya has faced pressure to address these issues decisively and restore public confidence in state institutions.
For the latest updates on this developing situation, stay tuned to TJGringo.com.