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Family calls for justice after claiming drug cartel killed Illinois man in Mexico

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Published  January 5, 2025 9:46pm CST
Crime and Public Safety
FOX 32 Chicago

Family calls for justice after claiming drug cartel killed Illinois man in Mexico

An Illinois family is calling on Mexican authorities to arrest members of the drug cartel responsible for the death of Jesus Macias.

The Brief

    • An Illinois family is urging Mexican authorities to arrest drug cartel members allegedly responsible for Jesus Macias' death near Villanueva, Zacatecas, after he was killed at an improvised checkpoint.
    • Macias, remembered as a hardworking and devoted family man, was traveling with his family when the cartel allegedly shot his car, leading to his death in his grandmother's arms.
    • Waukegan Mayor Sam Cunningham and the family are calling for justice, highlighting the dangers in Zacatecas, as noted in a U.S. travel advisory warning against crime and kidnapping in the area.

ILLINOIS - An Illinois family is calling on Mexican authorities to arrest members of the drug cartel responsible for the death of Jesus Macias.

Relatives said Macias, 30, was traveling near Villanueva, Zacatecas, on Dec. 30 with his family after purchasing a stove for his mother. Loved ones believe he was killed by a drug cartel when he drove through an improvised checkpoint.

"They shot up the car tires so that he could not stop and they ended up shooting him. He died in my grandma's arms," said Gisselle Jimenez, Macias’ niece. 

According to his obituary, Macias was hardworking and a devout family man, ensuring his loved ones were surrounded by love, support and joy.

"He was a father figure to me and many other girls," said niece Lucero Rivas.

In September, the U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs issued a travel advisory for Zacatecas, urging Americans not to travel due to crime and kidnapping. The advisory also mentioned widespread violent crime, extortion, and gang activity in the state.

Waukegan Mayor Sam Cunningham joined the family on Sunday in their calls for justice.

"Let’s come together. Let’s move on these villains who have taken the life of a simple man who just wanted to live in his country," Cunningham said.

A funeral for Macias will take place on Wednesday in Rockford.


 

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