Many people were left scratching their heads this week when Jalisco Governor Enrique Alfaro announced that investigators had resolved the killing of his predecessor Aristoteles Sandoval, which occurred in Puerto Vallarta on December 18, 2020.
In a press conference held Wednesday, Jalisco Attorney General Gerardo Octavio Solis Gomez said three persons have been clearly identified as having participated in the slaying, but was unable to provide a motive for the gangland-style hit, and admitted that the investigation “could change” once the suspects have been apprehended.
Solis defended his boss’ comment, saying a case is “considered resolved when the assumed perpetrators have been identified and arrest warrants issued.”
Sandoval was shot to death in the bathroom of Puerto Vallarta restaurant/bar Distrito 5 in the early hours of the morning while socializing with friends. Video footage showing the two presumed perpetrators in the bar led to their identification.
The FGE decided to prosecute 13 restaurant employees who “cleaned up” the crime scene soon after the incident, thus preventing police officers from obtaining vital evidence. Although none were linked to the shooting, all admitted their error and received reduced sentences, including short jail terms and fines.