Mexican authorities have arrested the alleged leader of a criminal cartel in connection with the murders of a beauty influencer and a mayor.
Ramón Ángel Álvarez Ayala, known as "El R-1," was taken into custody in late July during a joint operation by military personnel and law enforcement officers, according to multiple reports.
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Alleged Leader of 'Los Rs'
Mexican officials say Ayala was the main leader of "Los Rs," a violent criminal organization linked to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.
The group is allegedly involved in murder, extortion, and drug trafficking.
Authorities allege that Ayala masterminded and financed the killing of 23-year-old beauty influencer Valeria Marquez.
In May 2025, Marquez was shot and killed by a gunman while livestreaming in her beauty salon in the Mexican city of Zapopan.
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The gunman, seen on video pretending to be a delivery driver, asked to confirm her name before shooting her in the head and chest.
She collapsed while the livestream was still running.
Mexico's Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection, Omar Hamid García Harfuch, said Marquez's murder was connected to Ayala's son, Francisco Álvarez, who allegedly threatened her after their breakup.
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Authorities have arrested another man in connection with Marquez's murder, but it is unclear if he is the gunman.
Police are still searching for Francisco.
Harfuch also said Ayala financed and ordered the execution of Carlos Alberto Manzo Rodríguez, the mayor of Uruapan, a city in the Mexican state of Michoacán.
Manzo, who often spoke out against organized crime, was shot to death during the "Day of the Dead" celebrations in November 2025.
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Harfuch said 31 people have been arrested in connection with Manzo's killing.
