Man arrested in Veracruz for murder of 12 self-defense members after snakebite

A man sought for his alleged involvement in the 2021 murder of 12 self-defense group members in southern Veracruz has been apprehended. The suspect, identified as Eli "N", was arrested in Las Choapas municipality after being bitten by a venomous nauyaca snake. His life was saved by an emergency helicopter transfer to a local hospital.

During his hospital admission, Eli "N" initially provided a false name. However, authorities discovered his alleged connection to the multihomicide that occurred on January 17, 2021. The regional prosecutor's office in Zona Sur Coatzacoalcos issued an arrest warrant for aggravated homicide.

The victims were reportedly abducted in Minatitlán and later gathered on the Misantla-Tonconada highway. They were then taken to another location where they were killed with firearms on the El Amate-La Tabasqueña highway in Las Choapas. In April, 13 members of a criminal cell received 70-year prison sentences for their confirmed guilt in the murder of these 12 individuals.