http://www.elpasotimes.com/newupdated/ci_11868127


La Linea behind attack on governor's bodyguards, officials say
By Daniel Borunda / El Paso Times
Posted: 03/09/2009 12:00:00 AM MDT


A group of men suspected in a roadway shooting last month that killed a bodyguard of the governor of Chihuahua were allegedly working for La Linea drug organization, state officials said during the weekend.

The men were allegedly tasked by La Linea -- as the Juárez drug cartel is known -- to patrol Chihuahua City for members of rival narco-trafficking gangs.

Chihuahua state Attorney General Patricia Gonzalez said one man is in custody, other suspects have been identified and the investigation continues into the Feb. 22 shooting on a Chihuahua City street.

Gov. Jose Reyes Baeza Terrazas, who was in his private vehicle escorted by bodyguards in two other vehicles, was not injured in the shooting. Ministerial police Commander Alejandro Chaparro Coronel, 49, was killed and two other bodyguards were wounded.

Officials have said the incident may have stemmed from a disagreement between one of the suspects and bodyguards who may have felt a vehicle was following the convoy.

Eduardo Hernandez Valadez, 36, a former Mexican army soldier, was wounded in the incident and arrested that day, officials said.

Investigators used call records on seized cell phones to find links between the suspects, who allegedly used code names such as H14, H10 and H9.

Arrest warrants have been issued for Fernando Raul "El Oso" Holguin
Advertisement
Ayala, 25, and Luis Alberto "El Maky" Posada Ruiz, 36. Investigators also alleged they have links to Julio Cesar Martinez Valenzuela, a Chihuahua City transit police supervisor arrested for allegedly working for La Linea.

The gunmen are suspected of also committing kidnappings, keeping watch as bodies were dumped and hanging threatening banners in public in order to intimidate and create a lack of confidence among residents, stated information provided by prosecutors.

Daniel Borunda may be reached at dborunda@elpasotimes.com; 546-6102.