Senior Judge Assassinated in Acapulco Amid Rising Violence in Guerrero

A senior judge was assassinated in the Mexican resort city of Acapulco on Wednesday, a day after President Claudia Sheinbaum convened security officials there to address escalating violence in the region.

Edmundo Román Pinzón, the former head of Guerrero state’s highest court, was fatally shot in his car in broad daylight, according to local media reports featuring images from the crime scene. Authorities, including Guerrero’s security ministry and attorney general’s office, have launched investigations into the killing.

“We will not allow this crime to go unpunished,” vowed Guerrero Governor Evelyn Salgado in a statement on social media, reflecting the mounting pressure on officials to curb the violence engulfing the state.

Acapulco’s Decline: From Tourist Haven to Violence Epicenter

Acapulco, once a premier destination for international tourists renowned for its stunning beaches and daring cliff divers, has been mired in cartel violence for years. The unrest has tarnished its reputation, driving away foreign visitors and leaving the city grappling with a surge in crime.

The broader Guerrero region, historically one of Mexico’s most violence-stricken states, has recently witnessed an alarming rise in gang-related violence, including high-profile assassinations of politicians and public officials.

In October, the brutal murder of the mayor of Chilpancingo, Guerrero’s capital, shortly after he took office, sparked national outrage and highlighted the region’s precarious security situation.

Presidential Focus on Security Amid Rising Violence

Pinzón’s assassination occurred just a day after President Sheinbaum held a high-profile security summit in Acapulco, aimed at addressing the surging violence. The president, who assumed office in October, has pledged to replicate her success in reducing Mexico City’s murder rate on a national scale.

However, her first months in office have been overshadowed by outbreaks of cartel violence in key hotspots. In Sinaloa, for example, homicides have surged despite the deployment of military forces.

A Growing Crisis

The murder of such a prominent judicial figure underscores the severity of Guerrero’s security challenges and the broader implications of Mexico’s ongoing battle with organized crime. The assassination not only represents a direct attack on the judicial system but also raises questions about the effectiveness of current strategies to curb cartel-driven violence.

With growing public concern and increasing pressure from both domestic and international observers, the coming weeks will test the resolve and capacity of President Sheinbaum’s administration to restore order in Guerrero and beyond.