A part-time Mexican journalist was shot dead in Veracruz state, home turf of several violent drug gangs, adding to the death toll for the bloodiest year to date for local media workers.
Pedro Pablo Kamul, who was slain Monday, worked as a radio reporter and host at AX Noticias and Es Amor, which confirmed his killing in a social media post.
Local news outlet Latinus said Kamul was fired upon while driving a taxi and his attackers immediately fled.
Reuters could not immediately determine whether Kamul's death was linked to his journalism.
AX Noticias, in a Facebook post, demanded an official investigation and punishment for those responsible for this "cowardly act."
This year is already the deadliest on record for Mexican journalists, according to free-speech organization Article 19.
The group has documented 18 killings and 331 attacks against local journalists in the first eight months of the year.