Valle de Santiago woman killed during religious festival

A woman was killed during a religious festival in Valle de Santiago, Guanajuato, on the night of September 24, 2026. The victim, identified as Patricia “N”, was a member of a group of traditional dancers participating in festivities honoring the Virgin of Mercy.

Armed individuals traveling on a motorcycle approached the Templo de la Merced and opened fire on the victim, striking her in the head and torso. The attack caused widespread panic among parishioners and attendees, many of whom sought cover inside the temple. Paramedics arrived at the scene but confirmed the woman had already passed away.

Following the incident, the local parish priest ordered the suspension of the patron saint celebrations, including the planned fireworks displays. Local police, the Mexican Army, and the National Guard established a security perimeter to preserve evidence. The Fiscalía General del Estado has opened a criminal investigation into the intentional homicide to identify the perpetrators.