By KELIN DILLON

On Tuesday, March 19, a Mexican federal judge indicted two Guerrero state police officers for their purported role in the death of Ayotzinapa protestor Yanqui Kothan Gómez Peralta on March 7.

The Guerrero law enforcement officials Sigifredo “N” and Francisco “N,” are charged with intentional homicide and intentional homicide against Gómez Peralta, with a third officer alleged to have participated in the crime currently on the run with a warrant out for his arrest from the Guerrero Attorney General.

The indictment comes following the presentation of 34 pieces of evidence – including video footage of the incident – during Tuesday’s hearing, with the federal judge ordering an additional five months of investigation into the issue. 

Still, despite the alleged proof against them, both Sigifredo “N” and Francisco “N” maintained they shot Gómez Peralta in self-defense.

The judge had previously issued an order of preventive suspension against the two police officers on Thursday, March 14.

“Due to the seriousness of the crimes, the two agents could face up to 30 years in prison,” said a lawyer from the Minerva Bello Center.

Guerrero Secretary of Government Ludwig Marcial Reynoso Núñez and Secretary of Public Security Rolando Solano Rivera notably resigned from their public office positions on Thursday, March 14 due to their purported roles in covering up the officer’s actions following Gómez Peralta’s death.