A respected Mexican federal police officer, Ivan Morales, along with his wife, has been killed in a targeted attack by gunmen. This incident occurred just weeks after his testimony in a U.S. trial was revealed, which played a significant role in ensuring life imprisonment for the son of a prominent cartel leader. The son of Rubén “El Menchito” Oseguera Gonzalez is now facing severe prison conditions.
Authorities in Mexico confirmed the murders last week. Morales and his wife were in a private vehicle in Morelos, roughly 100 kilometers from Mexico City, during the attack.
Mexican officials are actively investigating this case. Politicians and analysts quickly pointed out Morales’s role as a crucial witness in last year’s U.S. trial against Gonzalez, known for leading one of the most violent cartels, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, founded by his father, Rubén “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes.
Morales, who had been highly decorated for his service, had previously survived a helicopter crash in 2015. This incident occurred during a police operation to apprehend El Mencho. At that time, the cartel leader and his son had mobilized forces to thwart the police’s efforts.
Reports indicate that El Menchito had even ordered the shooting down of police helicopters, resulting in the deaths of nine officers, details that emerged during his trial in the U.S. Morales sustained serious injuries during this attack, including extensive burns to his face.
