Gunmen Execute Godfather At 15-year-old Party In Monterrey

One of the Godfathers killed and 11 injured at 15-year-old party (Quinceñera) by gunmen in Monterrey.

By H. Nelson Goodson

December 30, 2012

Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico - On Sunday, the Nuevo León state attorney general's office launched a homicide investigation into the murder of Julio César Cruz Sánchez, 32, at a 15-year-old party. Sánchez was one of the Godfathers (sponsors of the event) during the party. 

Multiple gunmen entered the party at the Cerro de Silla Social Center located in the southern neighborhood of Altamira in Monterrey before 11:00 p.m. on Saturday night and found Sánchez inside. Sánchez, the intended target was then fatally shot. Some of the guests had tried to protect Sánchez, but were also shot including several children.

Sánchez' wife Soriadia Berenice Renovato Hernández who is 36 weeks pregnant suffered contractions and a nervous break down, according to Nuevo León authorities. 

It took about ten minutes for police to arrive at the scene. Witnesses say, the suspects fled in a white pick-up.

The injured victims were identified as María Guadalupe Saldaña Rodríguez, 42; Yahaira Guadalupe Hernández, 19; Jordan Fernando Vásquez Garibay; Soraida Berenice Renovato Hernández; Tatiana Aidé Arias Ramírez, 23; Teisi Villarreal Rodríguez; Sandra Elizabeth Escalona Pérez and
Estrella Ariana Renovato Escalona. 

Three others including a 1-year-old and a nine-month-old child were also injured in the shooting. All of the reported injured people at the party are expected to survive and eight people have been released from the Monterrey University Hospital. Three of the victims still remained hospitalized.