Suspected La Familia Michoacana boss shot alongside companion as violence escalates in Temixco.
Luis Pineda, alias ‘El Wicho,’ was killed alongside his companion in a car in Temixco, Morelos.
On Monday afternoon, Luis Pineda, also known as ‘El Wicho,’ an alleged leader of La Familia Michoacana, was killed. According to sources, he was under investigation for extortion, kidnapping, armed robbery, and possession of firearms.
Pineda and his companion were ambushed by assailants riding two motorcycles, who opened fire on them. The attack occurred at the roundabout at the entrance of the Burgos residential development in Temixco, in southern Morelos.
Both men were found dead inside a compact car. Emergency services confirmed they showed no signs of life.
In April, Temixco’s Public Security Chief, Christian Contreras Luna, was dismissed for failing to pass trust and control exams. Contreras later claimed to the media that the city’s mayor, Israel Piña Labra, instructed him to strike a deal with organized crime, something he says he refused to do.
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In March of this year, Morelos’ Secretary of Public Security, Miguel Ángel Urrutia Lozano, stated that at least nine criminal groups are known to be operating in the state. He noted that in the metropolitan area—including Temixco—there is an ongoing turf war between La Familia Michoacana and the Mayas.
In recent months, several leaders of criminal groups have been arrested, and various gangs have been dismantled through raids. These actions have also led to a number of violent confrontations between rival gangs.
La Familia Michoacana, as its name suggests, is based in Michoacán—especially in the municipalities that make up the Tierra Caliente region. The group also operates in Guerrero. As the organization has weakened, its factions now compete with the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) for control of territories, according to Insight Crime.
