A Mexican TV presenter was shot dead in front of her four-year-old son during an attempted carjacking as she left a circus.
Martha Paola Salcedo, 29, the sister of Cruz Azul defender Carlos Salcedo, was shot twice on Saturday night in Huixquilucan, Mexico State.
A bystander helped Salcedo’s assistant get her into his vehicle and rush her to Angeles Hospital, where doctors were unable to save her life.
The assistant told authorities that two suspects approached them and demanded that Salcedo give up her purse and SUV keys.
However, a struggle ensued between Salcedo and the suspects, who shot her.
Martha Salcedo, the sister of Mexican soccer star Carlos Salcedo, was shot dead in an attempted carjacking after attending a circus performance in the Huixquilucan municipality on Saturday night. No arrests had been made as of Wednesday
Martha Salcedo (top left), her parents (top right and bottom right) and her brother Carlos Salcedo (bottom left)
Martha Salcedo and her son Luka, whom she had with Uruguayan footballer Nicolás Vikonis
“We mourn the sad death of Paolo Salcedo, sister of our player Carlos Salcedo,” Cruz Azul said in a statement on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.
The grieving footballer, who was part of Mexico’s squad for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, reposted the message, writing: “Thank you everyone.”
“Given the unfortunate passing of our daughter Martha Paola Salcedo Hernandez, my wife, her current partner and domestic servant, we greatly appreciate all expressions of affection and solidarity towards our family,” Paola and Carlos’ parents said in a statement on Tuesday.
“Given the difficult security situation that the country is currently experiencing, we trust that the competent authorities will clarify the facts. We ask for respect and empathy for the situation we are going through.”
Martha Salcedo allegedly struggled with two carjackers who forced her to hand over the keys to her SUV and her purse, before one of them shot her twice in front of her 4-year-old son and assistant.
Martha Salcedo is survived by a four-year-old son from her previous relationship with Uruguayan goalkeeper Nicolás Vikonis
Martha Salcedo shared custody of her son Luka with her ex-boyfriend, Uruguayan goalkeeper Nicolás Vikonis, who currently plays for Club Celaya.
She previously hosted shows for the legendary football club Chivas de Guadalajara.
Martha Salcedo had a falling out with her brother while he was still at the club after he accused her of befriending his teammates to hear stories.
The siblings’ relationship was further strained when Carlos Salcedo accused Martha Salcedo and their father of slandering him and siding with his ex-wife during their divorce proceedings.
However, the relationship recovered in 2020 after she gave birth to her child.