A judge in Puebla has formally linked Rafael “Z” to criminal proceedings for attempted homicide, after an intense hearing at the Centro de Justicia de la 11 Sur. The businessman, accused of being the so-called “Sniper of Vía Atlixcáyotl,” will remain in the San Miguel prison’s high-risk Dormitorio W while investigations continue.

The decision came after the 144-hour deadline granted by Judge Guillermo Valdez Luna expired. Rafael’s defense had requested an extension to present evidence supporting his innocence, but the judge found the prosecution’s case strong enough to proceed.

This first formal charge relates to an attack on a young food delivery motorcyclist who was shot in both legs while riding along Vía Atlixcáyotl. The injuries left lasting physical damage, preventing the victim from returning to work and directly impacting his family’s livelihood. This case was pivotal for the Fiscalía General del Estado (FGE) to open the initial investigation against Rafael “Z,” who is originally from Spain.

During the six days between the initial hearing and the judge’s ruling, FGE agents continued gathering evidence, including returning to the Santa Fe neighborhood where Rafael was arrested during a search operation. New findings from this site will be added to the ongoing investigation.

Authorities are not only pursuing charges of attempted homicide but are also investigating other alleged crimes linked to Rafael “Z,” such as property damage, bodily harm, and dangerous attacks. These relate to multiple shootings targeting drivers and motorcyclists on Vía Atlixcáyotl, a key artery in Puebla’s metropolitan area.

The case highlights the challenges of ensuring public safety on major urban routes and the importance of effective law enforcement responses. Meanwhile, the development of alternative transport options like the cablebús in Puebla could offer safer, more reliable mobility solutions for residents, reducing reliance on vulnerable roadways.

As the legal process unfolds, the community watches closely, hoping for justice and safer streets in one of Puebla’s busiest corridors.