Ramírez was wanted in connection with the 72 homicides in San Fernando, Tamaulipas.
By H. Nelson Goodson
November 6, 2013
San Luis Potosi, Mexico - On Saturday, Arturo Benítez Ramírez, 59, of Houston, Texas was arrested in San Luis Potosi by state police in connection with the 2010 massacre of 72 undocumented immigrants from Central and South America in San Fernando, Tamaulipas, according to the San Luis Potosi State Public Security Secretary (SSPSLP). A citizen tip led state police to the municipality of Axtla de Terrazas in San Luis Potosi where Ramírez, a suspected Zeta member had traveled to attend the festivities of el Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). His identity was confirmed and a warrant from the Mexican government showed that he was sought in connection with 72 homicides (58 men and 14 women) and human trafficking from Mexico to the U.S. The bodies of the murdered victims were found in clandestine graves in an abandon ranch. Mexican Marines discovered the shallow graves after one of victims escaped and notified federal military police.
Luis Freddy Lara Pomavilla, 18, from Ecuador had escaped from a nearby Zeta Cartel occupied ranch and made his way to a military outpost.
The homicides were connected to the Zetas in the area. So far, eleven Zeta suspects have been arrested and charged in connection with the 2010 massacre.
The SSPSLP did not provide any details about Ramírez involvement in the San Fernando massacre.
