Journalist murdered in Puebla who was allegedly previously threatened
Josué Martínez Contreras directed a digital news outlet in Puebla and covered security issues
The Mexican journalist Josué Martínez Contreras was shot dead in the state of Puebla, in a context of persistent violence against the press in Mexico, as confirmed by the Municipal Government of San Martín Texmelucan, which expressed its condolences to family and friends of the victim.
Martínez Contreras was a teacher and directed the news outlet Noticias San Martín Texmelucan, dedicated to news coverage of the region, although authorities have not attributed the crime to his journalistic activity.
According to the first reports, the attack occurred on Thursday morning, when armed men attacked him with shots, a few meters from his home.
Paramedics went to the scene, where they confirmed the death of the victim.
Security agents cordoned off the area, while personnel from the Puebla Prosecutor's Office carried out the corresponding procedures and began the investigation to clarify the homicide.
So far, the authorities have not reported any detainees and the organization Article 19 reported that Martínez Contreras covered security issues and high-impact events in San Martín Texmelucan.
In that sense, he demanded from the state prosecutor's office and the Attorney General's Office (FGR) a "prompt, exhaustive, independent and impartial" investigation that "considers his journalistic work as a priority line of investigation."
In addition, the organization requested protection measures for the journalist's family.
Versions published by local media indicate that the communicator had previously received threats. However, this information has not been officially confirmed by the Prosecutor's Office.
The murder occurs in a context in which Mexico is considered by international organizations as one of the most dangerous countries to practice journalism outside of war zones.
In its 2026 World Press Freedom Index, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) ranked Mexico 122 out of 180 and considers it the deadliest country for practicing journalism in the Americas for at least 15 years.
The organization has documented more than 150 murdered journalists and 28 missing since 2000.
For its part, Article 19 has documented 176 murdered journalists and 32 missing in Mexico since 2000.