(NewsNation) — The remains of five musicians from the band Grupo Fugitivo were discovered deceased in Reynosa, a city near the Texas border, suspected to be victims of cartel violence.
The band, known for regional music, went missing on Sunday while en route to a gig and were found lifeless on Thursday, according to reports from Mexican media.
The musicians were reportedly abducted around 10 p.m. Sunday while traveling in an SUV, according to Tamaulipas state prosecutors. They did not disclose details about the condition of the bodies or the rationale behind the killings, but they did not refute claims from local media that the bodies had been burned.
Authorities reported that nine individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident, suspected to be affiliated with a faction of the Gulf cartel.
Families of the musicians allegedly received ransom demands, with relatives stating that the musicians were hired to perform but arrived at a vacant lot instead.
The style of music they played often includes tributes to drug cartel leaders, who are often depicted as modern-day Robin Hoods, although it remains uncertain if the group performed such songs.
Musicians have previously encountered threats of violence from cartels, and some have also faced visa revocations by the Trump administration due to claims of glorifying criminal behavior.
At times, musicians are targeted by cartels who pay them to compose songs praising their actions, occasionally getting caught in gang turf wars.
Various regions have prohibited the subgenre known as “narcocorridos,” in efforts to diminish its appeal among the youth.
Reynosa has experienced rising violence since 2017 as various cartels vie for control over drug trafficking and human smuggling routes.