Ramón Ángel Álvarez Ayala, also known as ‘El R-1,’ was taken into custody during a joint military and law enforcement operation, officials said. Mexican authorities identified him as the leader of Los Rs, a criminal cell linked to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, or CJNG.

Cartel Involvement in Local Crimes

Álvarez Ayala is accused of financing and orchestrating the assassination of Uruapan Mayor Carlos Manzo, who was shot during Day of the Dead celebrations in November 2025. His criminal cell was also linked to the May 2025 killing of beauty influencer Valeria Márquez, whose former boyfriend is Álvarez Ayala’s son, according to authorities.

Mexican Security Secretary Omar García Harfuch announced details of the investigation a day after the arrest. ‘El R-1’ is identified as the main leader of Los Rs, one of the most violent criminal cells linked to the CJNG, with operations in Apatzingán, Uruapan and Morelia, Michoacán, as well as in Jalisco.

This organization is involved in extortion, murders and drug trafficking, directly affecting producers, business owners and families in the region. The killing of Valeria Márquez was linked to Francisco, who allegedly threatened Márquez several times after their relationship ended.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.