Crime Journalist Kristian Uriel Zavala Was Murdered in Guanajuato; He Had Requested Protection

The journalist and DJ was murdered in Silao along with another person, despite having requested security measures in 2021.

Journalist and DJ Kristian Uriel Zavala was murdered early Sunday morning in the municipality of Silao, Guanajuato, according to the Municipal Secretariat of Citizen Security (SSC). Zavala was found dead along with another person inside a vehicle in the area of ​​La Pila County.

The official report details that the car had bullet impacts on the windshield and inside were found the bodies of Kristian and Axel “N”, 22 years old, both with gunshot wounds and no vital signs.

The ongoing investigation

Since the initial report, the Attorney General’s Office of the State of Guanajuato took the case and has already begun the relevant investigations. “Through its SSC, the Government of Silao will provide all support to the Attorney General’s Office in the work aimed at clarifying the facts,” announced the local authorities in an official statement.

The municipal government also expressed its condolences to the families of the victims, especially to the journalistic community of Silao, where Kristian developed his career in the media.

A journalist under threat

Kristian Uriel Zavala worked as a photojournalist for various crime news outlets in Silao. During his career, he collaborated with Reporte Silao and managed the Silaoense Mx media outlet.

In 2021, Zavala requested protection from the State Government due to threats received for his journalistic work. However, despite the warning and the obvious risks in his professional practice, his murder is evidence of the persistent violence against journalists in Mexico.

Violence against journalists in Mexico

The murder of Kristian Uriel Zavala adds to the worrying list of journalists killed in the country. According to the organization Article 19, at least three journalists were killed in 2024:

Roberto Carlos Figueroa, in Morelos.

Víctor Alfonso Culebro, in Chiapas.

Alejandro Alfredo Martínez Nogues, in Guanajuato, founder of the media outlet El Hijo del Llanero Solititito.

These events underline the serious situation faced by journalists in Mexico, especially those who cover security and organized crime issues.

A crime that demands justice

The murder of Kristian Uriel Zavala reinforces concerns about violence against the press in Mexico and impunity in these cases. The demand for justice and guarantees of protection for journalists remains an urgent cry in a country where freedom of expression is constantly under threat.

Sources: La Verdad Noticias, El Hijo del Llanero Solititito