Culiacán Musician Killed: Reports on Julio César’s Murder & Rising Violence

Julio César, the accordionist for the rising norteño group Grupo Arraigado, was shot and killed on Wednesday afternoon in Culiacán, Sinaloa, authorities confirmed. The attack occurred as César was driving along the Malecón Viejo, a central thoroughfare in the city.

According to reports from local media outlets like El Sol de Sinaloa and Los Noticieristas, the shooting took place around 4:30 PM local time. Witnesses described armed assailants intercepting César’s recently-model Chevrolet truck on Paseo Niños Héroes. Multiple gunshots were fired, resulting in César’s immediate death.

Police responding to the scene found numerous spent shell casings from a handgun. The vehicle, displaying only a temporary permit, remained running after the attack. Forensic investigators processed the scene, and César’s body was transported to the state medical examiner’s office for an official autopsy.

César’s family later identified the body. He was reportedly wearing jeans and a dark shirt at the time of the shooting. Sources indicate he had departed from the 16 de Septiembre neighborhood shortly before the incident, carrying his accordion.

Prior to joining Grupo Arraigado, Julio César had a notable career collaborating with singer Jorge Santacruz and his Grupo Quinto Elemento. Together, they produced several successful albums, including “Rey de Reyes” in 2013, “El Consentido de la Palma” in 2014, and “La Supremacía” and “De Los Pinos a Los Pinos” in 2015.

He transitioned to Grupo Arraigado in 2024, contributing to hits such as “En el pedir está el dar,” “Judas,” “Los Rumores,” “Me sé capotear,” and “El perfume de los muertos.” These songs have collectively garnered over 50,000 monthly streams on Spotify, demonstrating the group’s growing popularity.

The motive for the attack remains under investigation. No official statements have been released regarding potential suspects or connections to organized crime. Authorities have not commented on reports suggesting the group’s music included corridos referencing Joaquín “El Mayo” Zambada.