Baja Bar Condemns Unsolved Killings of 15 Attorneys

State police have failed to identify motives or solve any of the recent violent deaths, says Bar Association president.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 3:55pm

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An extreme close-up of a shattered law book cover or legal document, dramatically lit by a harsh flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the violence and lawlessness threatening attorneys in Baja California.A grim reminder of the threats facing legal professionals in Baja California, where a wave of unsolved attorney killings has shaken the rule of law.San Diego Today

The head of the Baja California Bar Association, David Jesús Rincón Rey, has condemned the failure of state police to solve any of the 15 violent deaths of lawyers that have occurred in the state over the last two years. Rincón Rey says the cases are often dismissed as being crime-related without proper investigation, and that lawyers are increasingly exposed to threats just for doing their jobs.

Why it matters

The high number of unsolved attorney killings in Baja California raises serious concerns about the rule of law, the safety of legal professionals, and the ability of the justice system to function effectively. The lack of progress in these cases also fuels rumors and speculation that undermine public trust.

The details

According to Rincón Rey, during the previous governor's six-year term from 2013-2019, 12 lawyers were killed, compared to more than 15 during the last four years under the current governor. He says lawyers are now targeted 'even for handling a divorce, serving as a business owner's attorney, or filing for alimony.' The Bar Association is pushing for measures to protect threatened lawyers, such as providing bulletproof vests.

  • Over the last two years, 15 lawyers have been violently killed in Baja California.
  • During the 2013-2019 term of former governor Francisco Vega, 12 lawyers were killed.
  • During the 2019-2021 term of former governor Jaime Bonilla, 5 attorneys were killed.
  • In the current term of governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda, more than 15 lawyers have been killed.

The players

David Jesús Rincón Rey

The president of the Baja California Bar Association who has condemned the failure of state police to solve any of the recent violent deaths of lawyers in the state.

Francisco Vega

The former governor of Baja California from 2013-2019, during which time 12 lawyers were killed.

Jaime Bonilla

The former governor of Baja California from 2019-2021, during which time 5 attorneys were killed.

Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda

The current governor of Baja California, during whose term more than 15 lawyers have been killed.

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What they’re saying

“In none of these cases have they told us why they were murdered. Instead of possible motives behind the various murders, only justifications exist.”

— David Jesús Rincón Rey, President, Baja California Bar Association

“Rumors circulate, or are simply tossed around, suggesting they were likely involved in drug trafficking, laundering money, or that they had four wives. There is always a pretext, lawyers are not saints, nor do they aspire to be.”

— David Jesús Rincón Rey, President, Baja California Bar Association

“Nowadays, we are exposed even for handling a divorce, serving as a business owner's attorney, or filing for alimony.”

— David Jesús Rincón Rey, President, Baja California Bar Association

What’s next

The Baja California Bar Association continues to push for measures to protect threatened lawyers, such as providing bulletproof vests and ensuring violent deaths of attorneys are treated as serious incidents deserving thorough investigation.

The takeaway

The high number of unsolved killings of lawyers in Baja California points to a breakdown in the rule of law and raises serious concerns about the safety of legal professionals and the ability of the justice system to function effectively. Addressing this crisis will require a concerted effort to improve investigations, protect threatened lawyers, and restore public trust in the legal system.