A musician, his pregnant wife, their three-year-old daughter, and the family's nanny were found fatally shot inside a residential building situated just outside Mexico City. The grim discovery was made in the Zona Esmeralda area of Atizapán de Zaragoza, according to information released by the State of Mexico Prosecutor’s Office. An unharmed six-year-old boy was also found at the scene.
The victims were identified by the State of Mexico Prosecutor’s Office as a 38-year-old male music producer and composer, identified by the initials J.S.M.O., his 35-year-old pregnant wife, their three-year-old daughter, and a 21-year-old woman. Billboard later confirmed the musician's identity as Jonathan Meléndez, a keyboardist for the acclaimed Mexican band Camilo Séptimo.
Investigation Details Emerge
According to authorities, two of the victims were found bound. The musician, his pregnant wife, and their three-year-old child sustained gunshot wounds to the head, while the fourth victim, the nanny, was shot in the back. Investigators believe the killings took place on Tuesday, September 1, between approximately 5:30 p.m. and 7:40 p.m.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, two men, identified as Diego Sebastián "N" and Gerardo "N," were apprehended by authorities in connection with the murders.
While a definitive motive has not been publicly disclosed, officials described one of the suspects as an "associate of J.S.M.O." The police statement indicated that the suspects "allegedly took advantage of a relationship of trust between one of them and the victims to gain access to the residence."
Band's Tribute and Official Response
Camilo Séptimo, the band Meléndez played with, released a statement on Instagram confirming his death and expressing their sorrow.
"We will always remember Honas with immense love and gratitude," the band conveyed. "Today we honor and celebrate his life, his music, his light and the time shared with those of us fortunate enough to know him and walk the path alongside him."
Omar García Harfuch, Mexico’s secretary of security and citizen protection, commented on the rapid response to the crime.
"Given the gravity of the crime, the institutions acted immediately and in a coordinated manner," Harfuch stated in a message shared on Facebook. "The two suspects are now in custody and will be brought to justice."
