Mexican priest killed 2 days after cries for a halt to violence come during a march for peace

The Diocese of Huejutla confirmed the death of Father Román de la Cruz Hernández, the pastor of Santa Cruz Parish, on September 15. The news outlet N+ reported that his body was found along a rural roadway in the municipality of Huejutla de Reyes, Hidalgo state, after he had been shot multiple times.

Bishop José Hiraís Acosta Beltrán signed a statement on September 16 calling for authorities to conduct a thorough investigation to ensure justice and prevent the crime from going unpunished. The Mexican bishops’ conference also issued a statement on September 16 urging relevant authorities to investigate the events and ensure justice is served quickly.

The killing occurred two days after a march for peace was held in another part of Mexico to call for an end to violence in the country. The death took place on the eve of Mexico's Independence Day celebrations.