The tragic death of Mexico’s first openly non-binary member of the judiciary, Jesús Ociel Baena, has sent shockwaves through the LGBTQ+ community and sparked calls for a thorough investigation into their death. Baena’s body was discovered alongside their partner, Dorian Daniel Nieves, in their home in Aguascalientes, with a razor blade found at the scene. Despite initial claims of potentially a third person being involved, authorities now suspect Nieves murdered Baena before taking their own life.
Aguascalientes Chief Prosecutor Jesús Figueroa revealed that Baena had suffered 20 wounds, including one to their neck that appeared to be the fatal injury. Forensic evidence points to Nieves as the one who wielded the murder weapon. However, Figueroa emphasized that the investigation is ongoing, and definitive conclusions should not be drawn prematurely.
Baena’s family stands in opposition to the authorities’ theory, expressing disbelief and concern over the possibility of an incorrect judgment. Juan Baena, the victim’s father, urged caution, emphasizing that the majority of people do not believe the authorities’ hypothesis.
Rights organizations have called for the deaths to be investigated as potential hate crimes, highlighting the previous death threats Baena had received. As an outspoken LGBTQ+ activist, Baena was determined to bring visibility and equality to the community. In October 2022, they made history by becoming a magistrate for the Aguascalientes state electoral court, marking a major milestone for non-binary individuals in Latin America.
A tribute held at the Aguascalientes electoral court served as a platform to commemorate Baena’s legacy. Fellow magistrate Laura Hortensia Llama praised Baena’s dedication to promoting the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, emphasizing their unwavering commitment to creating a more inclusive world. Thousands of people nationwide attended vigils and demonstrations to honor Baena’s life and to advocate for a thorough and unbiased investigation into their death.
In the wake of this tragedy, the LGBTQ+ community in Mexico is left mourning the loss of a powerful figure in the fight for human rights. This incident has reignited concerns about the safety and protection of LGBTQ+ individuals in the country. Many are urging authorities to delve deeper into the circumstances surrounding Baena’s death and resist labeling it as a simple “crime of passion.”
As the investigation proceeds, it is crucial for law enforcement to explore all potential angles, including the possibility of a hate crime. The LGBTQ+ community, both in Mexico and worldwide, is eagerly awaiting the outcome of this investigation, as it will likely have significant implications for LGBTQ+ rights and justice in the country.
