Puebla probe into journalist Josué Martínez Contreras killing leads to auxiliary president's arrest

Journalist Josué Martínez Contreras, director of the digital outlet Noticias San Martín Texmelucan, was shot dead on 16 July 2026 inside his home in San Lucas Atoyatenco, Puebla, in front of his 13‑year‑old son and mother. Prior to the murder he had reported threats linked to his reporting on organized crime. The Inter‑American Press Union condemned the killing, saying “each murder of a journalist is an attack on the right of society to be informed” and called for a swift, independent investigation.

Puebla authorities arrested Javier Montalvo Juárez, the auxiliary president of San Lucas Atoyatenco, on 18 July 2026. He was seized near a convenience store and is accused of being involved in the homicide and of attempting to bribe the investigating police by offering cash and a vehicle. The detention has been criticised by local officials who demand respect for due process. The investigation into Martínez’s murder remains ongoing, with prosecutors seeking to determine whether the crime was linked to his journalistic work.