The proprietor of the popular late night Ajijic taco stand El Compadre was murdered at his place of business shortly before closing time in the early hours of Friday, February 15.
According to records at the Chapala Minsiterio Publico (district attorney’s office), Juan Carlos Maldonado Luisjuan, 40, died at the scene from four gunshot wounds to the chest. He was also hit in one arm and both legs. The victim’s seven-year-old daughter suffered minor wounds from shards that grazed her forearm and knee.
According to witnesses, the incident occurred at 1:15 a.m. just after a blue Explorer truck pulled up in front of the establishment. A single armed man got out of the back of the vehicle, walked into the establishment and opened fire without saying a word. The driver, whose face was masked by a kerchief, and another passenger remained aboard with the motor running until the shooter exited and jumped back into his seat. The hitmen were last seen speeding down the highway towards Chapala.Sources close to the case have revealed that the homicide has the hallmarks of crime syndicates involved in drug trading.