In Mexico, four killed over $1.5 million in cryptocurrency

MEXICO — Four people were killed in Mexico in what authorities believe was a targeted attack motivated by approximately $1.5 million in cryptocurrency. The victims were musician Melendez, his pregnant wife, their three-year-old daughter, and a housekeeper who worked for the family. The assailants also killed the family’s dog, leaving no survivors in the household.

Investigators say the crime is linked to 19 Bitcoin (BTC) that Melendez stored on a hardware wallet. One of the suspects has been identified as a close friend and business partner of the musician, suggesting the attackers had inside knowledge of the victim’s holdings.

In Mexico, where violence connected to digital-asset theft has grown increasingly visible, the case underscores the risks faced by individuals known to hold large crypto balances.

If convicted, the detainees could face up to 70 years in prison for each of the four victims, exposing them to sentences that could exceed a century in total.