Journalist Francisco Alejandro Leyva Aguilar was murdered this Wednesday in the municipality of San Pablo Etla, in the southern state of Oaxaca, in an attack that once again places the situation of violence against journalists in Mexico on alert.

The homicide was confirmed by the governor of Oaxaca, Salomón Jara Cruz, who condemned the crime and assured that all lines of investigation must be exhausted to clarify what happened and find those responsible.

The state president affirmed that no conclusions will be drawn about the motive for the homicide and pointed out that a “serious, professional and transparent” investigation must be carried out to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.

Jara recalled that Leyva Aguilar practiced journalism critical of his administration and stated that, although there are differences derived from journalistic practice, none can justify an act of violence against a communicator.

So far, authorities have not reported any arrests nor have they officially established a motive for the murder.

According to local media reports, the attack occurred when Leyva Aguilar was at a food stand in San Pablo Etla. Armed subjects allegedly shot at the communicator, although the State Prosecutor's Office continues with the investigations to determine the exact circumstances of the crime.

Oaxaca Prosecutor's Office will coordinate investigation with federal authorities

Governor Salomón Jara reported that he requested the Attorney General's Office of the State of Oaxaca to establish coordination with the Attorney General's Office (FGR), through the area specialized in crimes against freedom of expression.

He also expressed his support for the journalist's family and the journalistic union, in addition to reiterating that no difference related to the exercise of criticism can justify an act of violence.

For its part, the Security Cabinet of the Government of Mexico reported that it will provide support to strengthen investigations and contribute to the clarification of the homicide.

Who was Alejandro Leyva Aguilar?

Francisco Alejandro Leyva Aguilar was a journalist originally from Oaxaca with an extensive career in communication. During his career he was in charge of the Oaxacan Radio and Television Corporation (CORTV).

In recent years he maintained his active journalistic work through the digital column “El Zumbido del Moscardón”, a space in which he addressed political issues and matters of public interest in the entity.

Governor Salomón Jara recalled that Leyva Aguilar was a journalist critical of his administration and stressed that communicators have the right to question, point out and freely express their opinions.

There are seven journalists murdered in Mexico during 2026

With the murder of Alejandro Leyva Aguilar, Mexico has accumulated seven journalists murdered so far in 2026, according to records from organizations defending press freedom such as Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

In recent weeks, homicides of journalists have also been reported in other states of the country, including the case of journalist Roxana Guzmán murdered in Veracruz after being reported missing.

RSF has pointed out that Mexico remains one of the most dangerous countries on the American continent to practice journalism, due to violence against journalists and the levels of impunity in this type of attacks.

The investigation into the murder of Alejandro Leyva Aguilar remains open while authorities seek to clarify the crime and locate those responsible.

Who are the seven journalists murdered in Mexico during 2026?