Jonathan Meléndez, keyboardist, composer, producer, and founding member of Mexican indie rock band Camilo Séptimo, was killed along with his pregnant wife, their 3-year-old daughter, and a 21-year-old woman who worked for the family. He was 38 years old.
Authorities discovered Meléndez and the other victims late Tuesday night, September 1st, inside the family’s home in Atizapán de Zaragoza, a municipality in the State of Mexico outside Mexico City. His wife, Ana Paula, 35, was four months pregnant. The couple’s 6-year-old son was found alive and unharmed at the home.
The fourth victim was identified by her family as Aleida Romero Victorio, 21, who worked as a nanny for the couple. “She was a very hardworking and responsible girl who did not deserve for this to be done to her,” her aunt, Lorena Victorio Cabrera, told reporters.
Two men have been arrested in connection with the killings. According to prosecutors, one of the suspects had a business relationship with one of the victims and allegedly used that relationship to gain access to the residence. Authorities said coordination between agencies in the State of Mexico and Mexico City led to both arrests within 12 hours. The investigation remains ongoing.
Camilo Séptimo shared a statement mourning Meléndez, whom his bandmates described as their “querido hermano” (beloved brother). The group said it would remember him with “inmenso amor y gratitud” (immense love and gratitude), while also expressing condolences to the families of Ana Paula, their daughter, and Romero.
Meléndez, known professionally as “Honas,” co-founded Camilo Séptimo with Manuel Mendoza and Erik Vázquez in 2013 and became a core part of the band’s atmospheric synth-pop and alternative rock sound. He contributed keyboards, songwriting, and production as the group grew from Mexico’s independent scene to major venues including Auditorio Nacional and Palacio de los Deportes.
During his time with the group, Meléndez appeared on the 2014 EP Maya and the albums Óleos, Navegantes, Ecos, and Jardín de las almas. His work included some of Camilo Séptimo’s best-known songs, including “No confíes en mí,” “Vicio,” “Inevitable,” and “Contacto.”
