Ramón Ángel Álvarez Ayala Arrested as Alleged Mastermind Behind Uruapan Mayor Carlos Manzo's Assassination and Influencer Valeria Márquez's Killing
Mexican authorities have arrested Ramón Ángel Álvarez Ayala, a prominent leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, who is identified as the alleged mastermind behind the assassination of Uruapan Mayor Carlos Manzo. The arrest occurred in Atotonilco, Jalisco, following a high-speed chase and a shootout that left one of Álvarez Ayala's bodyguards dead. Security Minister Omar García Harfuch stated that Álvarez Ayala, known as "El R-1," ordered and financed the November 2025 killing of Manzo, who was a prominent figure attempting to remove organized crime from his municipality. While the investigation into Manzo's death is separate from the case of influencer Valeria Márquez, the administration announced that Álvarez Ayala also ordered the Márquez feminicide. This killing occurred in May 2025 when Márquez was livestreaming from her beauty salon. Authorities believe the son of Álvarez Ayala, Francisco Alvarez, requested the hit after their romantic relationship ended. This capture marks the 31st arrest in the case of Manzo's murder, representing a significant step in the security win for the region.
Sources
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'El R-1' arrested: Cartel leader Ramón Ángel Álvarez Ayala linked to murders of mayor Carlos Manzo, influencer Valeria Márquez
ABC7 Los Angeles