Mexican journalist covering crime fatally shot near home
Authorities probe whether the journalist's work was behind the attack
Mexican journalist Josue Martinez, who specialised in reporting on security issues and major incidents, was shot dead near his home in Puebla state in what authorities and press freedom groups say should be investigated with his work as a possible motive.
As per CBS News Martinez, director of Noticias San Martin Texmelucan, was killed in a drive-by shooting on Thursday in the central Mexican state of Puebla, according to state officials. Local media reported that two assailants on a motorcycle opened fire near his home.
The Puebla state government condemned the killing and urged prosecutors to conduct a full investigation. In a statement, the state prosecutor's office said, "The case will be investigated with a reinforced focus on the protection of journalists, and all lines of investigation will be exhausted."
Press freedom group calls for work-related motive to be examined
Press freedom organisation Article 19 said Martinez, who covered security issues and major local events, should have his reporting examined as a potential motive for the attack.
Local reports said the journalist was near his 13-year-old son when he was shot. The boy reportedly called police after the attack.
Known by some as "The Jaguar," Martinez was trained as a lawyer before moving into journalism.
Mexico remains one of the deadliest countries for journalists
Martinez's killing comes weeks after the death of journalist Roxana Guzman, whose body was found in Veracruz after she was abducted from her home in June. Reporter Luis Angel Lopez Valdez was also killed in Veracruz around the same time, while journalist Carlos Castro was fatally shot in the state earlier this year.
According to Reporters Without Borders (RSF), Mexico is among the world's most dangerous countries for journalists. The organisation said at least nine journalists were killed in the country in 2025 and has documented more than 150 journalist killings in Mexico since 1994.
The Committee to Protect Journalists and Amnesty International have also warned that attacks on journalists frequently go unpunished, stating that "impunity is the norm in crimes against the press."
