Argentine businessman arrested in Mexico for musician and family massacre
Diego Sebastián Rosen, aged 51, was arrested in Mexico for the murder of a musician, his pregnant wife, his daughter and a maid. The investigation points to an economic conflict between the two men.
Argentine businessman detained for quadruple homicide in Atizapán de Zaragoza
Diego Sebastián Rosen, a 51-year-old Argentine businessman, was arrested in Mexico for his alleged involvement in the murder of musician Jonathan Meléndez Ochoa, his pregnant wife, his three-year-old daughter and a domestic employee. According to lafolkargentina.com.ar, the investigation points to an economic conflict as a possible motive for the crime.
The attack took place on 1 September at a residential complex in the Zona Esmeralda, in Atizapán de Zaragoza. The four fatal victims were the 38-year-old musician, his wife Ana Paula Barragán—four months pregnant—, the couple's daughter and a young domestic employee. The family dog was also killed. The only survivor was the couple's six-year-old son, who was found unharmed and placed in the care of relatives.
Commercial ties and threats prior to the crime
Rosen and Meléndez maintained a partnership linked to property rental, which allegedly gave the suspect access to the family home. Mexico's Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection, Omar García Harfuch, stated this Friday that Rosen had allegedly demanded money from Meléndez and that there had been threats before the attack. The authorities have not publicly established the amount of the debt or the exact origin of the conflict.
Before the meeting, the musician allegedly warned a friend that he was going to meet with someone with whom he had a conflict, according to Mexican media, and asked him to be alert if he stopped responding. This message is considered relevant for reconstructing the circumstances that preceded the attack.
Security footage and arrest within 12 hours
The building's surveillance cameras became a key piece of the investigation. One of the recordings shows a man identified as Rosen entering the complex during the afternoon of 1 September, wearing dark clothing, a cap, glasses and a backpack. At one point, inside the lift, he looked in the direction of one of the cameras.
The recordings made it possible to reconstruct part of his movements before the homicide. The authorities reported that Rosen and a second detainee, identified as Gerardo "N", were located within 12 hours of the crime.
Neighbours at the residential complex heard screams and gunshots coming from the family's apartment during the afternoon and early evening hours of Tuesday. Upon entering the premises, the authorities found the bodies of the four victims; some of them showed signs of having been immobilised before receiving the gunshots.
Criminal record and fraud allegations
The quadruple homicide is not the only case file related to Rosen. The businessman was already under investigation in Mexico for alleged fraud and, according to information released on Friday, had obtained an injunction approximately two weeks before the crime to avoid being arrested on that charge.
Rosen was linked to NOMAD Adventures, a company dedicated to tourism and accommodation rental. After the case became known, testimonies began to circulate from people who claimed to have paid for services they ultimately did not receive.
Transfer to prison and ongoing judicial process
Rosen and Gerardo "N" were transferred to the Barrientos prison, in Tlalnepantla, where judicial proceedings against them continue. The General Prosecutor's Office of the State of Mexico seeks to determine the exact role of each in the homicide. For now, both are considered presumed responsible and the investigation remains open.
Who was Jonathan Meléndez
Jonathan Meléndez, known as "Honas", was a keyboard player, composer and producer for Camilo Séptimo, a Mexican indie rock band with an established track record in the country's music scene. His death provoked a strong reaction among artists and followers. His bandmates publicly bid him farewell and expressed their grief at the loss.
Source: Google News AR — Crime