Jet Ski-Riding Hitman Linked to Notorious 'Skiny' Gang Caught in Cancun

In a dramatic turn of events, the Attorney General's Office of Quintana Roo announced the capture of Jesús "N," who authorities claim was one of the gunmen responsible for a brutal beachside homicide in Cancún on October 2. The arrest was carried out through the concerted efforts of Quintana Roo's Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for Combating Homicide Crimes, the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection (SSyPC), and the National Anti-Kidnapping Commission (Conase). Together, these agencies form the formidable Interinstitutional Task Force of the 100 Days, a law enforcement initiative created to bring criminals to justice swiftly and prevent further violence in the region.

The arrest of Jesús "N" took place in the Kusamil neighborhood of the municipality of Benito Juárez, marking a critical victory in the authorities' relentless pursuit of justice. Following his capture, police confirmed his alleged association with a criminal network led by Zacarías "N," known by the alias "Skiny." Zacarías was apprehended just weeks earlier, on October 17, in Mérida, Yucatán, along with two female accomplices suspected of managing the gang's finances.

As reported by Quintana Roo’s Prosecutor’s Office, the fatal beach incident, which left the local community in shock, began with Jesús "N" and an accomplice arriving on a jet ski at a popular beach along Cancún’s Kukulcán Boulevard. At around 11:30 a.m., the duo is said to have approached the beach at kilometer 8.5 on Kukulcán Boulevard, where, according to surveillance footage, they are seen leaping from the jet ski with firearms in hand. The footage, which investigators are still examining, reportedly captures the suspects running towards their victim before opening fire, inflicting multiple gunshot wounds. The victim’s identity remains confidential, and authorities have not released further information about any motives behind the attack. However, the brazen nature of the crime, conducted in broad daylight and in a tourist-heavy area, has alarmed locals and tourists alike.

After committing the shocking attack, the perpetrators reportedly fled the scene at breakneck speed, abandoning the jet ski in the Costa Mujeres area, within Isla Mujeres municipality. Investigators quickly traced the jet ski back to a local company in Cancún, raising further questions about how the gang obtained access to it. The company’s employee, who allegedly facilitated access to the vehicle, has since been brought to trial on charges of qualified homicide, accused of aiding in the escape plan that followed the murder.

The arrest of Jesús "N" is a direct outcome of Quintana Roo's Interinstitutional Task Force of the 100 Days, a cross-departmental initiative with a mission to apprehend criminal offenders at record speeds. This multi-agency effort reflects a zero-tolerance policy toward violent crime in the area, following an uptick in gang-related incidents affecting Cancún and its neighboring towns.

"This operation is an example of how our joint efforts can result in significant steps toward justice and community safety," said a spokesperson for the Quintana Roo Prosecutor's Office. "With the swift capture of Jesús and the dismantling of the criminal group led by Zacarías, we are sending a clear message: criminal activity in our state will not be tolerated."

Authorities believe the gang led by Zacarías had long-standing ties to organized crime in the region, and their operation focused on various illicit activities, with violent enforcement a primary tool. The apprehension of Zacarías in Mérida, a mere two weeks after the Cancún beach killing, also led to the arrest of his alleged financial operatives. These women, detained on the same day, reportedly played a crucial role in managing the gang's resources, allowing Zacarías and his associates to finance and execute violent operations with precision and speed. Authorities are currently investigating the gang’s network, uncovering possible financial backers and allies.

Meanwhile, the arrest of Jesús “N” has been widely celebrated as a step toward restoring security and confidence in Cancún’s public spaces, particularly along its famed beaches, which serve as a magnet for millions of tourists each year. However, the harrowing incident has cast a shadow over the popular tourist destination, prompting local leaders to demand heightened security measures to prevent future violence.

The Quintana Roo government is committed to protecting its citizens and visitors, implementing stringent measures and coordinating with federal law enforcement to increase vigilance across the area. With further investigation underway, officials hope to dismantle any remaining elements of Zacarías’s gang, thereby reducing organized crime's grip on the region.

The arrest of Jesús "N" marks yet another pivotal moment in Quintana Roo's ongoing war against crime. As part of its broader efforts, the Interinstitutional Task Force is expected to continue its work, targeting known criminal networks in the area and restoring peace to Cancún’s shores. As the investigation unfolds, more details will likely emerge, shedding light on the dark underbelly of organized crime within Mexico's idyllic coastal paradise.