Mexican journalist Miguel Ángel Beltrán was found dead in Durango state after vanishing for two days, authorities said. The 60-year-old contributor to local news outlets had been covering clashes between criminal groups.
His body was discovered wrapped in sheets near a handwritten message accusing him of “spreading lies.” The killing has drawn sharp condemnation from press freedom advocates.
Leopoldo Maldonado, head of Article 19’s Central American operations, confirmed Beltrán’s final reports focused on cartel fighting in the region. “That was the last thing he broadcast,” Maldonado said.
Beltrán had worked for platforms such as Contexto de Durango and Meganoticias. He previously served as a spokesperson for a teachers’ union in Coahuila.
The murder marks the seventh journalist killed during President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration, according to Article 19. Advocacy groups are urging the Durango prosecutor’s office to investigate swiftly, though no suspects have been named.
Reporters Without Borders reports at least 13 journalists have been killed in Mexico in 2025, surpassing last year’s total. The country remains one of the most dangerous places for journalists worldwide.