Police Arrest Alleged Killer of Murdered Band in Mexico

Federal authorities have captured Ulises Raga Ortiz, alias "El Fayuka" or "Metro 40," believed to be the mastermind behind the kidnapping and killing of five musicians from the regional band Grupo Fugitivo. This case has rocked the border city of Reynosa and fueled outrage across Mexico.

Raga Ortiz was apprehended on the night of June 15, 2025, in Reynosa, after having eluded federal authorities despite being previously released by Tamaulipas's prosecutors. Known as the leader of the violent "Los Metros" faction of the Gulf Cartel in Reynosa, he now faces accusations of orchestrating the brutal execution of the musicians.

The tragedy began on May 25, when the band members, on their way to perform at a private gig, were kidnapped in the Riveras del Río neighborhood of Reynosa. Five days later, charred remains of five individuals were discovered in an abandoned brick factory in the ejido Los Longoria. Authorities suspect these were the remains of the missing musicians, although victims' families insist no DNA confirmation has been provided.

Local reports citing surveillance footage, cellphone geolocation, and statements from cartel insiders suggest the murders may have been a crime of passion, possibly involving a musician and a woman linked to Raga Ortiz. Sources further suggest he was "handed over" to authorities by his cartel peers to diffuse mounting social and media pressure after the shocking discovery.

Raga Ortiz was previously detained in October 2023 following a shootout with state police, linked to the killing of two officers and the destruction of 14 CCTV cameras protecting several city points. Authorities seized weapons and an armored vehicle during that operation, but was later released.

Acting on evidence from prior raids that arrested nine alleged cartel members, federal agents launched a targeted operation on June 15, arresting Raga Ortiz amid other suspects. Seizures included high-caliber firearms, ammunition, narcotics, and vehicles. He is the 14th person publicly connected to the case so far. Four cartel suspects had already been detained, and a total of nine arrests were made at the site where the bodies were found.

Despite official statements, the families of the musicians remain unconvinced of the proof of their death. They assert they've received no DNA records, won't believe identifications based solely on visual resemblance, and have yet to see their loved ones' bodies, even as media and authorities insist otherwise. As one mother said in a Facebook Live session, "They don't know if it's him. They don't have my DNA. I haven't seen him. They haven't told us anything, and we're the first ones who need to know."