A Chapala policeman is among three men arrested on Tuesday, August 7 in connection with a fatal shooting in Ixtlahuacan de los Membrillos.
The victim was identified as Jesus Miguel Flores Cortes, age 38. The suspects are Jaime Francisco Enciso Hernandez, 34, a line officer with the Chapala police department; his brother Salvador Enciso Hernandez, 36; and their nephew Ernesto Severo Mendoza Enciso, 22.
According to initial reports, Flores died from gunshots wounds to the head and chest inflicted during an altercation outside the home of the Enciso brothers in the Aguilillas neighborhood on the northern outskirts of Ixtlahuacan.Neighbors told authorities that a heated argument ensued shortly after Flores appeared at the residence. As the confrontation escalated into violence, the off-duty policeman allegedly pulled a gun and fired on Flores, who fell to the ground mortally wounded. He and his relatives then fled on foot, heading off towards the nearby mountain range.
Based on eye witness accounts, state and local police arriving at the crime scene were able to quickly track down and apprehend the suspects. Jaime Enciso was caught in possession of a 38-caliber pistol, presumably the murder weapon. His nephew was holding a 22 caliber submachine gun. The three men were turned over to state prosecutors to be held for investigation on charges of aggravated homicide.