Jonathan Meléndez, a member of the Mexican rock band Camilo Séptimo, was found dead along with his family on September 1 in their apartment in Atizapán, near Mexico City. His wife, who was four months pregnant, their three-year-old daughter, and the family's housemaid were also found dead at the scene.
According to Mexico's State Prosecutor's Office, Meléndez and his wife were tied up and shot in the head. Their daughter died the same way. The housemaid was shot in the back.
Investigation and Arrests
Local media outlets with access to the investigation reported that the attack was tied to Meléndez's cryptocurrency holdings. He reportedly kept $1.5 million worth of bitcoin in a hardware wallet at the home.
Mexico's Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection, Omar Garcia Harfuch, announced two arrests less than 12 hours after the bodies were discovered. One suspect, identified as Diego Sebastian "N," was an associate of Meléndez. Investigators say he used that relationship to gain entry to the home. The second suspect, identified as Gerardo "N," was reportedly promised close to $120,000 to help carry out the attack.
Officials say both men knew about the bitcoin wallet before entering the property and went to the apartment specifically to find the hardware wallet. Investigators believe that when Meléndez warned the attackers that other people knew they were inside the home, the suspects killed everyone present rather than leave witnesses behind.
Charges and Response
Diego Sebastian "N" and Gerardo "N" now face first degree murder charges. Each charge carries a possible sentence of up to 70 years in prison, meaning the men could face decades behind bars for each of the four victims.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum addressed the case during a press conference, calling it "a very sad, regrettable situation." She noted that the dispute between the families involved was already known and had appeared in media reports before the killings. She added that the affected families are receiving support from authorities.
Wrench Attacks Rising Worldwide
The case is among the most severe instances of a wrench attack recorded in Mexico. Wrench attacks refer to crimes where someone is targeted specifically because of known cryptocurrency holdings rather than through digital hacking. Reports show such attacks have been increasing worldwide as more people hold crypto for savings and daily use. Exchange executives and other high-profile cryptocurrency holders have been targeted in recent incidents.
