Miguel Ángel Beltrán, a journalist known for his reporting on drug cartels, was violently murdered on Saturday. His burnt body was found on the highway which links the state of Durango to Mazatlán. His body was found in a blanket in neighbouring Sinaloa state. His family had been searching for him since Friday, when his son last saw him as they both left for work on Thursday morning.
Beltrán’s untimely death illustrates a heartbreaking truth. He is the ninth journalist murdered in Mexico so far this year, a nation known as one of the most dangerous in the world for members of the fourth estate. Reporters Without Borders has repeatedly sounded the alarm that Mexico is the deadliest country in the world for journalists. This is doubly so for those who cover mafia.
Contexto de Durangó, the news organization with which Beltrán was joined, reported on his death and mourned their colleague. “We deeply regret the passing of our fellow journalist, Miguel Ángel Beltrán,” said an official statement from the organization. They further noted, “The Contexto de Durango team joins in the grief that overwhelms his family and friends, wishing them strength and swift acceptance in the face of this irreparable loss.”
In the days leading up to his death, Beltrán posted a shocking confession on TikTok. For example, when he discussed the arrest of a suspected gang leader, which likely placed him in immediate danger. Local media allege that he was targeted “for spreading false accusations against the people of Durango,” highlighting the risks faced by journalists who investigate and report on criminal activities.
The finding of a note next to Beltrán’s corpse has led to speculation about the motives for his killing. What’s been missing from public disclosure are details about the contents of the note itself.
Beltrán was prolific, and had a wonderfully diverse history of creative collaboration across different media. At Contexto, he quickly made a name for himself with his pioneering investigative work. His tragic, untimely death from a supposed “self-inflicted” gunshot wound is under investigation. As such, it remains a grave danger to the very fabric of journalistic independence in Mexico.
