Mexican musician Jonathan Meléndez, his pregnant wife, their three-year-old daughter and their 21-year-old nanny were killed in a gruesome shooting at their home in Atizapán de Zaragoza, State of Mexico.
According to the BBC, Meléndez, 38, was the keyboardist of well-known indie rock band Camilo Séptimo. Authorities found the victims at an apartment in an upscale neighbourhood near Mexico City late on Tuesday night.
Meléndez’s wife, Ana Paula, 35, was four months pregnant. Their three-year-old daughter was also among the victims.
The family’s nanny, Aleida Romero Victorio, 21, was killed in the attack. Her family confirmed that she worked for the couple.
“She was a very hardworking and responsible girl who did not deserve for this to be done to her,” her aunt, Lorena Victorio Cabrera, told reporters.
Authorities said three of the victims, including the young girl, suffered gunshot wounds to the head. Another victim was shot in the back.
Two of the victims had their hands bound, according to the State of Mexico Attorney General’s Office. The family dog was also found dead, with its legs tied.
A six-year-old boy was found alive at the scene. He was unharmed.
Authorities believe the killings took place between 5:30pm and 7:40pm on Tuesday.
Meléndez’s band paid tribute to him after his death, saying he would be remembered “with immense love and gratitude”.
“Today we honour and celebrate his life, his music, his light, and what he shared with those of us fortunate enough to know him and walk alongside him,” Camilo Séptimo said on Instagram.
Police arrested two men on Wednesday in connection with the multiple homicide. The operation involved the State of Mexico Prosecutor’s Office, the federal Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection and the Mexico City Secretariat of Citizen Security.
One of the suspects, identified as Diego Sebastián “N”, is accused of being the probable perpetrator, prosecutors said. He was an associate of Meléndez.
Another man, identified as Gerardo “N”, is also under investigation for his alleged involvement.
Mexico’s Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection, Omar García Harfuch, said one of the suspects allegedly exploited his relationship with one of the victims to gain access to the home.
The prosecutor’s office said it would disclose the circumstances surrounding the killings and the legal status of the detainees at the appropriate stage of the proceedings.
CNN is also trying to determine whether the two detainees have legal representation.
