Chivis Martínez for Borderland Beat
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Mexican photographer Christopher Vanegas won 3rdplace in the “Contemporary Arts” category in the World Press Photo awards. The prestigious WPP is considered one of the most renowned international photojournalistic awards that draws over 100,000 photo entries each year.
The photograph was taken in Saltillo, Coahuila in March, 2013. A narco manta was left with the bodies signed by “Z40”, leader of Los Zetas cartel. Shortly after the discovery, Z40 displayed another message denying the hangings were his responsibility.
The haunting photograph, leaves viewers in the uncomfortable position of recognizing beauty derived from horrific brutally, yet because of it, able to instantly recognize the photo and recall the story of the hangings. Indelibly etched in ones mind.
Three of the victims:
Three of the victims:
Alejandro Tovar 16 years old mason
Carlos Eduardo Rodríguez Cedillo, 28, automotive mechanic
Eusebio Hernández Estrada 38 years of taxi driver
According to investigation by the PGJE, Alejandro Tovar Band and Carlos Eduardo Rodríguez Cedillo, were kidnapped by a group of armed men on March 6th 2013 in the colony Lucio Blanco, in Saltillo the capital city of Coahuila.
Eusebio Hernández Estrada was seen alive for the last time on March 3rd
The cause of death of the five victims was blunt force trauma
About Christopher Vanegas-Photojournalist, Mexico
Christopher Vanegas is a Mexican photographer born in Saltillo, Coahuila. He has worked as a producer and cameraman and has collaborated with Televisión Azteca and RCG Televisión (Mexico). He currently works as a photojournalist for the Mexican newspaper Vanguardia. (also Coahuila)
For more on the story and additional photos, refer to the video below.