A judge in Mexico State ordered two suspects, identified as Diego Sebastián "N" and Gerardo "N", to stand trial over the killing of Jonathan Meléndez, keyboardist and co-founder of the band Camilo Séptimo, along with three other people on September 1 in Atizapán de Zaragoza.
The judge ruled there was sufficient evidence for both men to face criminal proceedings on charges of aggravated homicide, termination of pregnancy, and mistreatment and cruelty toward sentient beings. She ordered them held in pretrial detention at the Barrientos prison in Tlalnepantla.
The judge also set a four-month deadline for the closure of the supplementary investigation, a period during which the Mexico State Attorney General's Office (FGJEM) can introduce new evidence and further specify each defendant's alleged role in the crime.
Meléndez, 38, was killed along with his wife, Ana Paula Barragán, 35, who was four months pregnant; their three-year-old daughter, Sofía; and Aleyda Romero, 21, a domestic worker employed by the family. The family's pet was also found dead. A six-year-old son of the couple survived the attack.
Camilo Séptimo and the investigation
Camilo Séptimo is a Mexican regional music band that Meléndez helped found. His killing, alongside his family and household employee, drew wide attention in Mexico's entertainment press.
According to the Attorney General's Office investigation, Diego Sebastián "N" had a business relationship and a position of trust with the musician, which he allegedly used to gain access to the victims' home.
Investigators believe the defendants were searching for a memory device that allegedly contained the keys needed to access cryptocurrency assets. Authorities are also investigating threats and demands for money made before the crime, as well as the possible involvement of other people.
The suspects
Diego Sebastián "N", identified as Meléndez's business partner, and Gerardo "N", identified as his driver, were arrested after the victims' bodies were discovered. Both were later taken to the Juan Fernández Albarrán Penitentiary and Social Reinsertion Center.
At the initial hearing, held last Saturday, the Attorney General's Office presented dozens of pieces of evidence, while the defense requested an extension of the constitutional deadline to resolve the legal status of the detainees.
What happens next
Being charged does not amount to a conviction, and both men must be presumed innocent unless a final ruling determines their responsibility. The case will continue with expert assessments, witness testimony and other proceedings requested by the parties during the investigation.
