Fourth officer arrested in Mexico mass kidnapping case
By CNNMexico
September 25, 2013 -- Updated 1500 GMT (2300 HKT)
Relatives of the 12 kidnapped in a bar protest on August 23, 2013 in front of the Mexican Attorney General offices, Mexico City.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
- A fourth police officer has been arrested, prosecutors say
- 13 youths were kidnapped from a bar and killed
- The officers are accused of having aided the perpetrators
- The bodies of the missing youths were found in last month
Mexico City (CNN) -- As Mexico City authorities unravel the workings behind the mass kidnapping and killing of 13 bar-goers, some unsettling developments have surfaced. Four of those arrested in connection with the crimes are police officers.
Corruption within law enforcement is not uncommon, but the alleged involvement of police officers in this sizable plot, which drew international attention, is a stark reminder of the challenges facing Mexico.
Mexico City prosecutors on Tuesday announced the arrest of the fourth officer: Daniel Valverde Trujillo, 35. He is accused of kidnapping and is being detained temporarily while the allegations against him are investigated, the Mexico City Attorney General's Office said.
The 13 youths disappeared on May 26 from an after-hours bar named Heaven in the capital's Zona Rosa district. In August, their bodies were found in a mass grave near Mexico City.
Video of kidnapping scene at bar released
Police implicated
On September 19, prosecutors announced the arrest of Edgar Ernesto Gutierrez Vera, a patrolman in the Zona Rosa area. He is accused of "active and direct participation" in the mass kidnapping and killing.
At least 14 others have been arrested as the investigation moves forward. Prosecutors say some of those initial suspects alleged that Gutierrez Vera provided protection for the leader of the gang implicated in the mass kidnapping.
Two other arrests were announced Monday. Police officers Jorge Clemente Martinez Perez and Jose Zequera Zavala, who also patrol the Zona Rosa sector, are linked to the crimes, prosecutors said.
The four officers have not been formally charged are detained provisionally while investigators determine if there is enough evidence to bring charges.
Mexico City Prosecutor Rodolfo Rios Garza said last month that the motive for the killings was revenge for a slaying that occurred in another bar in the capital.
Victims' family members have said they don't trust Mexican authorities and have called for an independent international investigation of the case.
READ: Prosecutor: Revenge was motive in kidnapping of 12 Mexican youths
CNN's Mariano Castillo contributed to this report.
Part of complete coverage on
October 6, 2013 -- Updated 1036 GMT (1836 HKT)
In two raids, U.S. special operations forces capture a suspected terrorist operative and also target an Al-Shabaab leader, officials say.
October 4, 2013 -- Updated 1518 GMT (2318 HKT)
The first phone-call between U.S. and Iranian presidents raised hopes of a new start -- but could Iran's Revolutionary Guards spoil the party?
October 3, 2013 -- Updated 1804 GMT (0204 HKT)
Violence in Syria has left millions displaced. And while many Syrians have fled across the border to escape, others remain in harm's way.
October 2, 2013 -- Updated 0822 GMT (1622 HKT)
Iraq's violence is growing. The world seems oblivious but with unrest spreading though the region, this is why you should not ignore it.
October 5, 2013 -- Updated 1510 GMT (2310 HKT)
The FBI says it has caught the shadowy creator of the Internet's infamous criminal marketplace, the mysterius "Dread Pirate Roberts."
October 4, 2013 -- Updated 1523 GMT (2323 HKT)
For the past two years, she's been a pocket accessory to millions of Americans. Meet the woman who says she is the voice of Siri.
October 4, 2013 -- Updated 1021 GMT (1821 HKT)
Qatar businesses expect to take a hit if the 2022 World Cup is moved. CNN's John Defterios explains.
October 4, 2013 -- Updated 0707 GMT (1507 HKT)
The show is less traditional puppet theater and more a Balinese Baz Luhrmann-style "spectacular" with a cast of hundreds, including dancers.
October 4, 2013 -- Updated 1100 GMT (1900 HKT)
Like screaming fans at a gig, a young generation of Japanese have found a new obsession: horse racing -- a new rival to baseball and football.
October 4, 2013 -- Updated 0024 GMT (0824 HKT)
China issues an illustrated 64-page "Guidebook for Civilized Tourism" to instruct Chinese citizens on social norms overseas.
Explore CNN's Formula One interactive as the world's best drivers head to South Korea for round 14 of the world championship.
October 3, 2013 -- Updated 1047 GMT (1847 HKT)
It is an age-old question: will humankind ever defeat old age? The multinational tech giant Google would like us to think it might be possible too.
October 3, 2013 -- Updated 1120 GMT (1920 HKT)
Graphene -- at one atom thick, it is the thinnest material ever discovered. CNN speaks to its inventor and Nobel laureate Kostya Novoselow.
October 2, 2013 -- Updated 1308 GMT (2108 HKT)
She was dubbed "The Assassin" after winning gold in London. But Kaori Matsumoto prefers to be known as "Beast."
October 3, 2013 -- Updated 1328 GMT (2128 HKT)
The common doodle has long been frowned upon in business meetings. But now researchers say it aids concentration.
Today's five most popular stories
© 2013 Cable News Network. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
|