Authorities investigate killing of Mexican congressman

From Krupskaia Alis, CNN
September 20, 2011 2:23 a.m. EDT

Moises Villanueva de la Cruz disappeared after he went to a party earlier this month.

Mexico City (CNN) -- A day after authorities announced that the body of a Mexican congressman was found along a highway in the coastal state of Guerrero, lawmakers from his political party called Monday for a swift investigation of his killing.

Authorities found Moises Villanueva de la Cruz near the same highway when he went missing after a party September 4. News of the federal lawmaker's death left investigators wondering whether the motive for his slaying was connected with organized crime or extortion.

"It could be simply a personal matter, we don't know, but whatever it is, we want to know soon," said Rep. Carlos Flores Rico of the Institutional Revolutionary Party.

Members of the party, which Villanueva belonged to, said authorities must investigate whether his death had something to do with his political activities.

"It is very unfortunate...the climate of instability which is engulfing the country," said Fausto Vallejo Figueroa, who is running for governor in the central state of Michoacan.

Villanueva disappeared after going to a party with other politicians in Tlapa, Guerrero, according to local authorities and lawmakers.

"They saw him there, and each one of them went to their homes. That's where they lost track of him," Flores said.

Mexico's interior ministry condemned the killing and pledged that federal authorities would aid in the investigation.

The bodies of Villanueva and his driver were found Saturday. Forensic examinations indicated they had been dead for at least eight days.

"This and others are such serious occurrences in the life of the country, that it forces all of us to profoundly reflect on how to face, with all the tools of the law within our reach, the scourge of insecurity," fellow lawmakers from his political party said in a statement Monday.

Elsewhere in Guerrero state, authorities said Monday that three teachers were killed when they were ambushed by armed gunmen.

Earlier this month the state teacher's union said hundreds of schools there were closed due to threats of violence.

Journalist Laura Reyes and CNNMexico.com contributed to this report

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