Mexican Mayor Stoned to Death

In this photo taken Dec. 13, 2009, Gustavo Sanchez, mayor of the small town of Tancitaro. (AP Photo/Agencia Quadratin)

The mayor of Tancitaro, a 26,000 inhabitants town in Mexico, has become the latest victim in the country’s ongoing war against drug cartels. Mayor Gustavo Sanchez together with an adviser was found in an abandoned pickup, stoned to death. Last year, Tancitaro’s city council chief was killed prompting the mayor at the time and seven other officials to quit, citing threats by drug cartels.

Sanchez had served as mayor since January. He is the fifth Mexican city leader killed in the last six weeks.