‘Totally False’: Michoacán Governor Says Carlos Manzo’s Trusted Bodyguard ‘El Macas’ Is Part of a Cartel, Was Sent to El Altiplano for Being Dangerous, Not Threatened

By The Narco Blog · October 2, 2026

Michoacán Governor Alfredo Ramírez Bedolla says Alejandro “N,” alias “El Macas,” a trusted bodyguard of slain Uruapan Mayor Carlos Manzo, belongs to a cartel. He says that is why “El Macas” was moved to the federal El Altiplano prison. Ramírez Bedolla rejected the defense’s claim that the move was to protect the former bodyguard from threats: “Eso es falso. Eso es totalmente falso” (“That is totally false”), La Voz de Michoacán reported on Oct. 2, 2026.

“He is part of a criminal group”

“Fue enviado por su peligrosidad, forma parte de un grupo delictivo” (“He was sent because of his dangerousness; he is part of a criminal group”), the governor said, according to MiMorelia. La Jornada San Luis quoted him adding “de un cártel” (“of a cartel”). Milenio, also on Oct. 2, quoted him calling the former bodyguard someone of “high dangerousness” who “had the full confidence” of the late mayor. According to La Voz de Michoacán, Ramírez Bedolla said the case shows organized crime had gotten into Manzo’s inner circle.

Manzo was shot dead on Nov. 1, 2025, in Uruapan’s main plaza. State authorities blame the killing on the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).

What prosecutors say about “El Macas”

Milenio reported that the Michoacán state prosecutor’s office (FGE) suspects “El Macas” was another CJNG infiltrator. Acting prosecutor Israel Vega Rodríguez said the investigation into whether he took part directly in the murder is still open and has reached no conclusions, MiMorelia reported. None of the reports we reviewed say what charge he is being held on. He has not been convicted.

According to Milenio and Telediario, “El Macas” had been a municipal police officer for only six months when Manzo was killed. Both outlets say he is the son of an official in Uruapan’s city government and a second cousin of brothers Cristian Martín, alias “El Vikingo,” and Alexis Jesús, alias “El Brilloso.” “El Brilloso” is Manzo’s godson. He has been ordered to stand trial, accused of passing details about the mayor’s security to the CJNG. All three were moved to El Altiplano together.

Below, MILENIO reports on the bodyguard at the center of the case:

Related coverage: ‘I Have Nothing to Hide’: Uruapan Mayor Grecia Quiroz Warned of Possible Arrest Over Carlos Manzo’s Phone as Michoacán Probes Alleged CJNG Money to His Sombrero Movement

Related coverage: ‘Ask Me How I Knew How Many Cops Guarded My Godfather’: Slain Mayor Carlos Manzo’s Godson Charged With Feeding His Security Details to CJNG

Sources

• La Voz de Michoacán, “Bedolla descarta amenazas y confirma traslado de ‘El Macas’ por alta peligrosidad,” Oct. 2, 2026
• MiMorelia (Daire Zúñiga), “El Macas y otras dos personas fueron enviados al Altiplano: Fue por su peligrosidad, responde Bedolla,” Oct. 2, 2026
• Milenio (César Cabrera), “Exescolta de Manzo sería otro infiltrado del CJNG: FGE Michoacán,” Oct. 2, 2026
• La Jornada San Luis, “Ex escolta de Manzo fue trasladado a penal federal por su peligrosidad y no por amenazas: gobernador de Michoacán,” Oct. 2, 2026
• Telediario, “Escolta de Carlos Manzo señalado por nexos con crimen organizado,” Sept. 29, 2026
• Video: MILENIO, “Escolta de confianza de Manzo era informante del cártel que lo asesinó”
• Photos: ACG, via MiMorelia

Reported Oct. 2, 2026, from the Mexican news reports listed above. The Narco Blog did not independently verify the allegations. “El Macas” is under investigation and has not been convicted of any crime.