*This story is developing and will be updated.
The body of Mexican journalist Rogelio Barragán was found in the trunk of a car in the state of Morelos late during the night of July 30.
Barragán, director of news site Guerrero Al Instante in the neighboring state, was deprived of his freedom on July 29 and his body was found the following day in the vehicle in the town of Zacatepec, according to Aristegui Noticias. There were various injuries to his face and head, Animal Político reported.
Excelsior reported that journalists from Guerrero said Barragán allegedly left Chilpancingo, where the news site is located, because of a threat and was headed to meet relatives in Morelos. However, he was intercepted, it added.
However, Israel Díaz Acosta, journalist at Guerrero Al Instante, told Carmen Aristegui that he was not aware of any threats that the journalist had received and denied that Barragán fled to Morelos because of threats. He said that the journalist frequently visited family there.
He said Barragán kept a low profile in his private life.
Balbina Flores, RSF representative in Mexico, said the organization would investigate whether the killing was related to Barragán’s work, AFP reported.
“He had more than 10 years of journalistic experience, mostly in the nota roja [news covering violence],” Flores said.
“Rest in peace our friend Rogelio, that God has you in His holy glory, a big hug to heaven friend,” reads a note from the Facebook page of Guerrero Al Instante.
Seven journalists have been killed in Mexico this year, according to RSF. The country is regarded as one of the most dangerous for journalists in the world.
**Valeria López de Vergara assisted with this report.
