Mexico Nabs Key Suspect In Arson That Killed 52

Published January 6, 2012 4:54PM (EST)

MONTERREY, Mexico (AP) — Police in Mexico have captured an alleged member of the Zetas drug cartel considered the mastermind behind a casino fire that killed 52 people in the northern city of Monterrey.

Nuevo Leon security spokesman Jorge Domene says Baltazar Saucedo Estrada is a main hitman that was sought on a 15 million-peso reward because of the casino attack.

Domene said Friday 38-year-old Saucedo was detained in Monterrey because he looked suspicious.

On Thursday, police ordered him and another man to stop their vehicle. They gave chase, and crashed into a car. Also known as "mataperros," or dog killer, Saucedo was identified hours later as he was being processed.

Authorities have arrested 17 of 32 suspects in the Aug. 25 casino arson.


By Salon Staff

MORE FROM Salon Staff


Related Topics ------------------------------------------