The death of a young student from the Autonomous University of Juarez of Tabasco (UJAT) has once again raised alarms about police brutality. Rodrigo Isidro lost his life in his private car on November 14 when he was returning to his home in Villahermosa, the state capital, and agents from the Ministry of Security and Citizen Protection chased him and opened fire. Their relatives organized a march on Friday to point out the responsibility of the state security forces and demand justice. The Public Prosecution stated in a statement that an investigation file had been opened to clarify the circumstances of the chase and shooting.
Rodrigo Isidro was studying to become a veterinarian. His routine consisted of going from his home to classes at UJAT or to a farm to look after cattle. Last week, his father called him at 7:16 p.m. To ask him what time they were waiting for him at home, he replied that he was already on his way. When the minutes began to pass and he did not arrive, his family became desperate. His father, Lucio Isidro Alvarez, told the press: “I called him at 8:00 p.m., and I called him and I called him until one in the morning.” Rodrigo’s family, which began investigating his death in parallel with the authorities, confirms that after this last call, a state police patrol chased the student, blocked his path and opened fire on him.
Lucio Isidro Alvarez explained to the media how his son’s body had three gunshot wounds: one in the neck, one in the chest, and one in the hand. They learned about the police chase thanks to the testimonies of neighbors who saw how the patrol chased Rodrigo Isidro until he crashed into a lamppost. He said: “My son was a good person, and he had many desires and projects. He had his own livestock, and his own car, because since he was young he had worked to earn his own money,” and asked citizens, if they had information, not to be afraid of the police and to report what they saw that night. He concluded in front of the television cameras: “It is not fair, it is not fair for these people who have the duty and responsibility to care for us to deprive him of his life.” He added: “Take care of your children, do not let them go out because the saboteurs are in the street and they are the same police officers.”
The Tabasco Prosecutor’s Office published a statement four days after the young man’s death, confirming that an investigation file had been opened to clarify the circumstances of the murder. The struggle of Rodrigo Isidro’s parents for justice joins the struggle of other families who have denounced the abuses of the security forces, as happened to the relatives of Eric Omar Chavez last week. The 21-year-old young trader was arbitrarily detained in Mexico City and died as a result of police beatings. Three agents were arrested in connection with the attack, which was recorded on video. The Metropolitan Police, which fired the director who supervised the officers involved in the beating, said: “Investigations are continuing to determine police actions and determine responsibilities.”
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