Cancun, Q.R. — Cancun authorities say Ernesto Espinoza Zárate has been sentenced to over 16 years in prison for attempted murder. On Tuesday, Espinoza Zárate was sentenced after being found guilty of the 2023 attempted murder of a Cancun man.
The State Attorney General reported that the incident occurred on July 19, 2023, when the victim, who has not been named, was working at a construction site in the Cancun Hotel Zone.
As the victim walked to the basement level of the under-construction hotel, he was intercepted by two armed men, one of whom was nicknamed Cholo. One of the armed men shot at the victim as he ran, hitting him several times.
“It should be noted that the armed men had previously extorted workers at the construction site. When “Cholo” arrived, Ernesto’s companion pointed a gun at him, causing him to flee. He then ordered Ernesto to shoot if the victim tried to escape,” police reported.
“The victim ran and, while being chased, was shot in the left leg, but managed to reach the dining area, where he collapsed. Ernesto’s accomplice caught up with him and shot him again in the right shoulder and cheekbone, before fleeing; due to the facial injury, the victim lost his right eye.
“According to the investigations, the motive for the attempted murder was the previous conflict between the victim and the aggressors, since they were dedicated to extorting the workers at the construction site where the events occurred.”
Ernesto Espinoza Zárate was sentenced to 16 years and six months in prison for his role.
