Yautepec syndic Karla Herrera linked to process for fatal Fan Fest attack

A judge has formally linked Karla Herrera, the municipal syndic of Yautepec, Morelos, to a criminal process regarding an armed attack at a Fan Fest on June 30. The attack, which occurred during a gathering for the 2026 World Cup match between Mexico and Ecuador, resulted in three deaths and nine injuries.

Herrera faces charges of qualified homicide and attempted qualified homicide. Following her arrest on August 18, a judge ordered preventive detention for two months to allow the Public Ministry to complete its investigation. One of the deceased was identified as Miguel Tijera, a collaborator of mayoral candidate Sandy Fernández, who was also injured in the incident.

In response to the legal proceedings, the Yautepec City Council has initiated administrative procedures to ensure municipal continuity. Under the Organic Municipal Law of the State of Morelos, Nancy Juárez will temporarily assume the role of syndic, as the vacancy is expected to exceed 15 days. The local government stated it will respect all judicial determinations and the results of the ongoing legal process.