Báez’s body was recovered on the morning of June 14 near the
main square in Xalapa, capital of Veracruz state. He was the editor of the
crime section for the state digital edition of the national newspaper Milenio
and an editor of the website Reporteros
Policiacos, which also covers crime, according to Milenio.
In a televised press
conference, Gina Domínguez, the state spokeswoman, said that officials had
received reports that three armed men had abducted Báez at 11:30 the night
before. She also indicated that an organized crime cartel was responsible for
the murder. News accounts reported that five
days later, the state attorney general’s office published a statement that said
a note had been found with the journalist’s body that referenced the violent
Zeta cartel. The note said: “This is what happens to traitors and those who act
smart. Sincerely, the Zetas.”
National Attorney General Marisela Morales told
reporters she had dispatched federal investigators to probe the murder, and
said they would look into the possible involvement of state officials, among
other lines of investigation. Neither Morales nor Domínguez offered any further
details about a possible motive.