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Mexican authorities make arrest in 43 missing students case

Xinhua, September 18, 2015 Adjust font size:

Mexico's Federal Police has captured Gildardo Lopez Astudillo, known as "Corporal Gil", a key figure in the investigation surrounding the 43 missing students who disappeared on Sept. 26, 2014, local media announced Thursday.

Local media, citing the Mexican Attorney General's Office and the Commissioner for National Security, Renato Sales, said the man arrested is a member of the criminal organization "Guerreros Unidos" ("United Warriors").

"Corporal Gil" was detained following an operation carried out Wednesday in the southern state of Guerrero where the students from the Teacher Training College of Ayotzinapa have disappeared since last year.

Lopez Astudillo is allegedly responsible for contacting Felipe Rodriguez Salgado via cellphone to mobilize the criminal gang in the municipality of Iguala. Rodriguez Salgado, another member of "Guerreros Unidos", confessed to killing 15 of the students after he was captured in January.

Due to the part he allegedly played in the whole ordeal, Lopez Astudillo has been arrested for kidnapping and participating in the students' execution.

The suspect has already given a statement, said local sources.

A news conference will take place Thursday afternoon when the Mexican authorities would give further details about the arrest. Enditem