Camilo Séptimo Member Jonathan Melendez, Pregnant Wife, and Daughter Murdered in Mexico
tags:Tragedy
Keyboardist played in indie-rock group Camilo Séptimo
Jonathan Meléndez, keyboardist for the Latin indie-rock group Camilo Séptimo, was found murdered alongside family members on Tuesday, according to CNN. Meléndez’s pregnant wife, their three-year-old daughter, a nanny, and the family dog were all found dead in the family home near Mexico City in the municipality of Atizapán de Zaragoza. A six-year-old boy was found alive at the scene.
The State of Mexico Prosecutor’s Office released a statement that added “even a dog, the family pet, was found tied up,” according to Variety. Three of the people were shot in the head, another in the back. CNN reports that Meléndez’s wife, Ana Paula, 35, was four months pregnant.
Omar García Harfuch, Mexico’s secretary of public security, said authorities had arrested two men in connection with the murders. One of the suspects, identified as Diego Sebastián “N,” worked with Meléndez and “allegedly used that relationship of trust to gain access to the residence,” Variety reports. Another, Gerardo “N,” is alleged to have been involved.
Reps for Camilo Séptimo did not immediately respond to Rolling Stone’s request for comment.
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Meléndez cofounded the trio Camilo Séptimo in 2013. The band excelled at mid-tempo indie-rock with electro-pop highlights. They released their debut studio album, Óleos, in 2017. Their most recent album, Mapas II, came out in May. They have tour dates planned beginning on Sept. 19 in Juárez.
On social media, the band posted a statement mourning the deaths of Meléndez and his family. “It is with deep sorrow that we bid farewell to our dear brother Jonathan Samuel Meléndez Ochoa — ‘Honas,'” the surviving musicians wrote. “We will always remember him with immense love and gratitude. Today, we honor and celebrate his life, his music, and his light, as well as the time shared with those of us fortunate enough to know him and walk life’s path alongside him.” They also extended “heartfelt support to his family and friends” and condolences to the family of nanny Aleyda Romero.