7-Year-Old American Girl Fatally Shot by Mexican Police During Anti-Cartel Operation Near Border
Shooting in Matamoros
Aranza was traveling with her family in Matamoros, near the U.S.-Mexico border, when she was struck in the head by gunfire. The shooting occurred as police pursued people suspected of belonging to the Gulf Cartel on Oct. 29, according to CBS News.
Her mother said the family was driving with five children when a police helicopter began following their vehicle. The family stopped, and Aranza’s father got out to tell officers they were civilians with children, her mother alleged.
Accounts of the gunfire
The two accounts differ over the circumstances that led to the shooting. The Mexican Embassy in Washington, D.C., did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Operation in the region
Police presence in the area was high following the arrest of Cárdenas Rodríguez, known by the street name Axel. He was described as a cartel member guilty of homicides, kidnappings and extortion.
The article also identifies drug, weapons and human trafficking into the United States among the crimes attributed to him. The operation was aimed at suspected Gulf Cartel members.
Key points
- Aranza, a 7-year-old American, was shot in the head in Matamoros on Oct. 29.
- Her family says her father identified them as civilians before police opened fire.
- Mexican authorities say officers were responding to an attack during the operation.
- The operation followed the arrest of cartel member Cárdenas Rodríguez, known as Axel.