Seven people were killed in an armed attack during a horse race at the Carril Santa Teresa track in southern Chihuahua on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, authorities confirmed Monday, Nov. 17. The attack occurred at kilometer 4 of the Parral-Jiménez highway in the municipality of Hidalgo del Parral, sending spectators fleeing into nearby hills as gunmen opened fire during the event.
The violence erupted when armed assailants targeted attendees at the racing venue, firing rifles at people gathered for the competition. The attack focused on a criminal leader in the region identified as Benito N., who was reportedly consuming beverages near a white GMC truck when the shooting began. The gunmen then turned their weapons on others present at the track.
Three to four people sustained critical injuries during the assault and were transported to area hospitals for emergency treatment. As shots rang out across the venue, panicked spectators scattered toward the mountainous terrain surrounding the facility in desperate attempts to escape the gunfire. Some victims were later discovered in these remote areas, having fled into the hills during the chaos.
Following the attack, the perpetrators employed an unusual tactic to prevent pursuit and secure their escape route. They stole three tractors from the area and positioned them across the Parral-Jiménez highway, creating physical barriers that blocked traffic and hampered law enforcement response. The roadblocks stranded dozens of motorists and prompted authorities to advise drivers to avoid the highway entirely until further notice.
Municipal police quickly deployed a coordinated security operation in response to the violence. The National Guard and the state prosecutor’s office joined the effort, establishing checkpoints at all road entrances to Parral while conducting preliminary investigations at the crime scene. Authorities maintained a heightened security presence throughout the region for several hours after the incident.
By Monday, Nov. 17, forensic investigators had successfully identified the victims through various examination procedures. Six of the deceased were identified as Alejandro Antonio A.G., 33, Paul Yovani A.L., 29, Jose Eduardo M.C., 23, Osvaldo Alonso S.B., 21, David Abraham S.T., 25, and Jesus Jose N.V., 35. Anthropological forensic testing later confirmed the identity of a seventh victim found at the track location: Rosario B.M., 41, a resident of Lopez, Chihuahua, who was originally from Puebla state.
Investigators also located another body at a separate location known as La Puerta del Tiempo during the weekend. This victim was identified as Jaime Guillermo C.A., 33, a resident of Jiménez. Authorities have not clarified whether this death was directly connected to the horse track massacre or represents a separate incident that occurred during the same timeframe.
The target of the attack reportedly had connections to a previous massacre at the Carril de Carreras de Maturana, where four people were killed, including a minor. This history suggests the violence may stem from ongoing conflicts between rival criminal organizations operating in the region, though authorities have not officially confirmed the motive behind Saturday’s assault.
The Carril Santa Teresa is owned by Arturo and Augusto Medina, with Augusto Medina serving as a legislator and coordinator for PRI party lawmakers. Horse racing tracks in Mexico often serve as social gathering places where various community members congregate for entertainment and wagering on competitions. These venues can attract large crowds, particularly during weekend events.
Mayor Salvador Calderon’s administration coordinated the emergency response, establishing security operations at all highway access points leading into Parral. The municipal government utilized social media platforms to communicate safety warnings to residents and travelers, urging them to stay clear of the affected areas while law enforcement worked to secure the region.
State prosecutors indicated that investigations remain active as authorities work to establish the complete circumstances surrounding the deaths and identify those responsible for the attack. The agency continues gathering evidence and witness statements as part of its effort to bring criminal charges against the perpetrators. The southern region of Chihuahua has experienced periodic outbreaks of violence related to organized crime activities, making security a persistent concern for local communities and law enforcement agencies working to maintain public safety.
On November 24, it was reported that the Mexican government had sent 600 soldiers into Chihuahua to stabilize the region amid its cartel turf wars.
