Chetumal, Q.R. — State authorities say they are investigating the beating death of a Chetumal inmate that took place over the holidays. On the night of December 31, Lucio Retana Peña was found dead inside his cell at the Social Reintegration Center (Cereso) in Chetumal.
The inmate, known as “El Gordo”, entered the prison on November 23, 2024 accused of homicide and extortion.
The discovery occurred around 11:00 p.m. when guards were conducting a routine patrol. The prison guards found Retana Peña lying on the floor of his cell with visible injuries. He was transferred to the General Hospital of Chetumal where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.
The FGE of Quintana Roo said in a statement that they have “started an investigation to clarify the events in which an inmate of the Chetumal Social Reintegration Center lost his life on December 31, 2024.
“The autopsy carried out by the Forensic Medical Service is being analyzed. It should be noted that after being found unconscious in his cell, the deceased was transferred to the hospital, where the authorities declared that he had no vital signs.
“In addition, the State Attorney General’s Office is investigating possible acts of omission and negligence by officials involved in this case.”
Retana Peña, originally from Veracruz, reportedly had ties with the Gulf Cartel. He was in Chetumal prison on charges of extortion and homicide.
