Mexican Rock Star and Family Dead as Suspects Allegedly Hunted Cold Wallet They Believed Held Millions

Mexican prosecutors say suspects hunting for a cold wallet they believed held 'million-dollar amounts in Bitcoin' killed Camilo Séptimo keyboardist Jonathan Meléndez, his pregnant wife Ana Paula Barragán, their three-year-old daughter Sofía and 21-year-old domestic worker Aleyda Romero at the family's home.

The four were found dead at the Grand Viure residential complex in Atizapán de Zaragoza, State of Mexico, on 1 September 2026. Barragán was four months pregnant. Their six-year-old son survived, while the family's dog was also killed.

The Fiscalía General de Justicia del Estado de México (FGJEM) said the attack took place between about 17:30 and 19:40, with authorities receiving the report of the bodies after 23:50.

The FGJEM said investigators believe the suspects went into the apartment looking for a 'caja fría' containing 'million-dollar amounts in Bitcoin'. The wording reflects what prosecutors say the suspects believed they could find, rather than establishing that the family held that amount or that any such cryptocurrency was recovered.

Suspects Allegedly Exploited Business Relationship

Diego Sebastián 'N' and Gerardo 'N' were arrested on 2 September and are being investigated for their alleged roles in the killings. Omar García Harfuch, Mexico's secretary of security and citizen protection, said Diego Sebastián had a business relationship with Meléndez and allegedly used that relationship to gain access to the family's home.

Prosecutors also allege that he offered Gerardo 2 million pesos, about US$118,000 (£87,000), for his help if the cryptocurrency could be obtained.

A witness account presented during the initial proceedings referred to a device containing access to cryptocurrency valued at about 3 million pesos, roughly US$177,000 (£131,000).

The account did not establish that the amount was held in the apartment or recovered by investigators. The men face allegations including qualified homicide, along with charges connected to the interruption of Barragán's pregnancy and cruelty towards the family's dog.

Jonathan Meléndez Helped Build Camilo Séptimo

Meléndez, known professionally as 'Honas', co-founded Camilo Séptimo in 2013 with Manuel Mendoza and Erik Vázquez. He worked as the band's keyboardist, composer and producer as the Mexico City group developed its synthpop and alternative-rock sound.

Camilo Séptimo released its first EP, 'Maya', in 2014, followed by 'Óleos' in 2017, 'Navegantes' in 2019, 'Ecos' in 2022 and 'Jardín de las almas' in 2023. Meléndez was credited across the group's music, including songs such as 'No confíes en mí', 'Miénteme', 'Vicio', 'Inevitable' and 'Contacto'.

The band later performed at sold-out shows at the Auditorio Nacional and Palacio de los Deportes and appeared at festivals including Vive Latino and Tecate Pa'l Norte.

Judge Remands Pair Before 9 September Hearing

A judge ordered Diego Sebastián and Gerardo to remain in custody while the case proceeds. The court also extended the constitutional period for deciding whether the men should be formally bound over for trial from 72 to 144 hours.

The hearing is due to resume on 9 September, when the court will decide whether prosecutors have presented sufficient evidence to bind the men over for further proceedings.

The prosecution has presented more than 60 items of evidence, according to reporting on the proceedings. The two men remain in custody and have not been convicted.