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 in the municipality of Huejutla de Reyes. According to a report from N+, Father de la Cruz’s body was found on September 15 along a rural roadway with multiple gunshot wounds.

Bishop José Hiraís Acosta Beltrán signed a statement on September 16 calling for authorities to conduct a thorough investigation to ensure justice and prevent such crimes from going unpunished. The Mexican bishops’ conference also issued a statement on September 16 requesting that relevant authorities investigate the events to 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. This incident took place near the start of Mexico's Independence Day celebrations.