XALAPA, Mexico (AP) — In a tragic incident on Thursday night, a reporter covering crime in the Gulf coast state of Veracruz was fatally shot in the city of Poza Rica. According to the State Commission for the Attention and Protection of Journalists, the commission condemned the killing and demanded a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the murder.

The commission, adhering to state policy regarding the disclosure of identities, identified the victim only by his first name. However, local media outlets have reported that the individual was Carlos Castro, the director of an online news outlet named Código Norte Veracruz. Castro was also known for his collaborations with several other regional news organizations.

Witness accounts from a local journalist, who requested to remain anonymous for safety reasons, indicated that Castro was shot while dining in a restaurant in Poza Rica. The incident drew a swift response from law enforcement, including state and local police as well as the National Guard, who arrived at the scene to manage the situation.

According to the anonymous reporter, Castro had just returned to Poza Rica after spending several months outside of Veracruz due to previous threats to his safety. Despite receiving protective measures from the state commission, he had relocated to Guanajuato state in 2024 in a bid to escape ongoing threats to his life.

This incident marks a grim milestone as Castro becomes the first journalist killed in Mexico in 2023. Historically, Mexico has been known as one of the deadliest countries for journalists in the region. Statistics from the U.S.-based Committee to Protect Journalists reveal that six journalists and media workers were killed in Mexico in the previous year.

The killing of Carlos Castro highlights the ongoing dangers that journalists face in Mexico, especially those reporting on crime and corruption. As the state and federal authorities vow to conduct an exhaustive investigation, the need for enhanced protections for journalists remains critical in light of this tragic event.

With the persistence of violence against media professionals, the international community and local advocacy groups are likely to continue calling for urgent reforms to safeguard journalists in Mexico. The murder of Castro is a stark reminder of the risks faced by those who dare to uncover the truth.