Mexican authorities have arrested Ramón Ángel Álvarez Ayala, known as "El R-1," the alleged leader of the violent criminal cell Los Rs, in connection with the assassination of a mayor. Officials say the investigation into that killing has also produced fresh evidence tying his organisation to the livestreamed murder of a 23-year-old social media influencer, linking the group to two high-profile acts of violence that have drawn national attention to cartel-related crime in Mexico.

Details of the arrest were confirmed by Mexican officials, who identified Álvarez Ayala by his alias and his role atop Los Rs. The case has drawn renewed scrutiny to the group's suspected involvement in the mayor's assassination as well as the earlier, widely publicised killing of the young influencer, which was broadcast live and shocked audiences at the time.