Irma Hernández Cruz, a retired teacher from Veracruz, died after being deprived of her liberty by armed men while driving a taxi in Álamo Temapache.
In response, the Mexican government regretted what happened and assured that it is working in coordination with Veracruz authorities to find those responsible.
Disappearance of teacher Irma Hernández
On July 18 of this year, retired teacher Irma Hernández Cruz disappeared while driving a taxi in Álamo Temapache.
The teacher was kidnapped on Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz Street, in front of the Municipal Market in downtown Álamo Temapache, while driving taxi number 554. Armed men intercepted her and forced her into a van.
According to reports, the teacher was kidnapped because she refused to pay a fee or protection fee to a criminal group.
Video of teachers with armed men
After that, a video was released of the teacher kneeling and surrounded by armed men sending a message to her fellow taxi drivers, asking them to agree to pay a fee or floor right to a criminal group and not have the same thing happen to them as happened to her.
"Fellow taxi drivers, you don't mess around with the Veracruz mafia. Pay your dues properly," he said in the video.
For her part, Veracruz Governor Rocío Nahle said that a ransom call for the teacher was expected:"They haven't called for a ransom."
Teacher found dead
Almost a week after the teacher's disappearance, on July 24, the teacher was found dead in the community of Tepetzintlilla, near the municipality of Cerro Azul.
"Teacher Irma Hernández was assaulted and suffered a heart attack": Rocío Nahle
Veracruz Governor Rocío Nahle García said the teacher's body was found inside a building located on land in the north of the state, near the municipality where she disappeared.
The official explained the situation, and the causes of her death were confirmed by forensic personnel from the Veracruz State Attorney General's Office (FGE).
The @FGE_Veracruz and the @GobiernoVer are working in coordination with federal security institutions to safeguard the integrity of the population.
— Rocío Nahle (@rocionahle) July 25, 2025
The regrettable murder of teacher Irma Hernández Cruz will NOT go unpunished and we will reinforce the measures throughout the state.
Sheinbaum mourns the death of the teacher
Following the news of Irma Hernández Cruz's death, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo expressed her regret and emphasized the importance of accurately clarifying the events surrounding the murder of a woman in Veracruz.
Therefore, he asked the Cabinet and the Veracruz State Attorney General's Office to report on the progress of the investigation. He reiterated the federal government's full support for the state governor.
