Family of slain journalist lament lack of progress in his murder investigation
SAN DIEGO (Border Report) — Photojournalist Margarito Martínez Esquivel was gunned down outside his Tijuana home two years ago, but his family claims the murder investigation is stagnant and the people behind his killing remain free.
Martínez Esquivel’s wife, María Elena Frausto, says she knows of no new developments in the investigation and claims no one has been in touch with her in over a year.
Two men admitted to killing the journalist claiming they received 40,000 pesos, about $2,500, for the murder.
Both have been sentenced to 25 years in prison, but Frausto says the people who had her husband killed have not been charged.
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“I have not been told anything concrete, only that two people were sentenced. Outside that, there has been nothing else,” Frausto said.
Martínez Esquivel’s widow spoke with reporters after a Mass in honor of her husband’s memory Wednesday night in Tijuana.
“I want the people responsible brought to justice,” she said. “A third person has been implicated as the mastermind, but nothing has come from it. Although nothing will return him to us, it’s been difficult without him trying to take in what’s happened, all I have left is my daughter.”
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Frausto and her daughter no longer live in Tijuana. When asked if this was due to fear, she said no.
“My conscience is clear because I’ve done nothing bad to anyone just like Margarito hadn’t.”
The photojournalist was killed on Jan. 17, 2022, as he got in his car on his way to work.
An exhibition featuring his work is set to open Thursday evening in Tijuana.
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