Baena had received death threats due to their gender identity.
Baena was the first nonbinary person to serve as an election judge in Latin America and had received Mexico's first nonbinary passport.
Jesús Ociel Baena, the first openly nonbinary person to hold a judicial position in Mexico, and their partner were found dead in their home.
Thousands marched in Mexico City demanding justice for Baena.
Jesús Ociel Baena, a prominent figure in Mexico's LGBTQ+ community and the first openly nonbinary person to hold a judicial position in the country, was found dead in their home in Aguascalientes, Mexico. Baena's partner, Dorian Herrera, was also found dead at the scene. The cause of death for both individuals is currently under investigation, with injuries suggesting the use of a knife or sharp object. Prior to their death, Baena had received death threats due to their gender identity.
Baena was a trailblazer in the LGBTQ+ community, having received Mexico's first nonbinary passport. They also made history as the first nonbinary person to serve as an election judge in Latin America. Their death has sparked outrage and calls for justice, with thousands marching in Mexico City in response to the incident. Local media have suggested the possibility of a double murder, with no indications of robbery or assault at the scene.
The LGBTQ+ community has expressed frustration at the handling of the case, particularly at suggestions of suicide. These groups view such suggestions as attempts by authorities to downplay violence against their communities. The state prosecutor's office has confirmed the deaths but has not yet determined whether they were the result of a hate crime. Investigations are ongoing.
LGBTQ+ groups have expressed outrage at the suggestion of suicide, calling it another attempt by authorities to brush aside violence against their communities.