Five-year-old boy dies in crossfire between criminal groups in Zitácuaro

MORELIA, Mich. (apro).- A child was shot dead and his two brothers, ages four and 10, were injured. This was the tragic outcome of the violent outbreaks that occurred Thursday afternoon and evening in the municipality of Zitácuaro, according to the Michoacán Attorney General's Office (FGJ).

During the events, there were also clashes between armed civilians, burned businesses and vehicles, and blocked roads until federal and state security forces arrived.

The death of the minor, whose initials were EARR, and the injuries to the other two children occurred when they were traveling with their mother, Brenda R., in a private car and were caught in the crossfire during a shootout between two criminal groups.

As soon as possible, the woman took her children to the Zitácuaro Regional Hospital, where the child's death was confirmed and the injured were treated. FGE personnel went to the health institution to confirm what had happened and initiate the initial steps.

Likewise, the law enforcement agency reported that following the acts of violence reported in that town, it conducted investigations into three convenience stores located in the Lomas Oriente, José María Morelos, and El Calvario neighborhoods, after the first was set on fire and the remaining two were damaged by gunfire.

According to local media reports, at least six vehicles were set on fire, including a motorcycle in the La Joya neighborhood, a bus on the Zitácuaro-Morelia highway, a Bonafont water delivery truck on the so-called "Curva del Gato" (Cat's Curve), a Bimbo truck, and two more vehicles on the bypass to the municipality of Jungapeo.

In the early afternoon, the Michoacán Public Security Secretariat reported that it, in conjunction with the Ministry of National Defense, deployed an operation in Zitácuaro to maintain security.

In addition, he reported that on the J. Múgica bypass, near a vehicle dealership and behind the Central Bus Station, "violent incidents were reported, and work is already underway to restore order," while "surveillance has been reinforced in convenience stores and roads in this area, and C5 Michoacán is working to find those responsible for these incidents."

Zitacuaro right now!!! Shootings everywhere, children sheltered in their schools, unable to get their children or leave, everything closed. #Zitacuaro #Michoacan #FailedState pic.twitter.com/6nCT8Ha4DL — Tipitapas (@Tipitapas) June 19, 2025

At night, after 10:00 p.m., the corporation posted on its Facebook page: "Due to the blockades reported in the municipality of Zitácuaro, we are maintaining active inter-institutional efforts to deter criminal activity. Security measures have been deployed at the entrances and exits to the municipality by the #GuardiaCivil, #Defensamx, the Michoacán State Attorney General's Office, and the Municipal Police to ensure free movement and public safety."