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A candlelight vigil drew residents and activists to the Plaza de Armas on Sunday night to honor Óscar Gael Maldonado and call for a thorough investigation into his killing.
The gathering, held April 26 at the bandstand in the city’s central square, brought together members of the LGBT+ community, local collectives and supporters. Attendees set up candles, photographs and signs reading “Justicia para Óscar Gael,” while observing moments of silence.
Maldonado, 19, was found dead in Puerto Vallarta under violent circumstances. His death has prompted calls from advocacy groups for authorities to investigate the case using established protocols for crimes that may involve bias based on sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.
Red Diversidad Vallarta and allied organizations have urged the Jalisco State Prosecutor’s Office to apply the approved protocol for investigating crimes committed against LGBTTTI+ persons, a national standard intended to ensure investigations are thorough, impartial and conducted with a human rights perspective.
“We make a respectful call to the State Prosecutor’s Office of Jalisco to guarantee a thorough, impartial investigation, free of prejudice, exhausting all lines of inquiry,” the groups said in a statement.
The organizations also called for authorities to consider potential motives related to bias, provide timely and sensitive attention to Maldonado’s family, and report transparently on the progress of the case.
Víctor Espíndola, speaking on behalf of community collectives, said the case highlights the need for consistent application of investigative standards in cases involving LGBT+ victims.
Carlos Plascencia, head of the Sexual Diversity Office of the Puerto Vallarta municipal government, said the office is prepared to collaborate with authorities and civil society to strengthen efforts to prevent and address violence against LGBT+ people.
The Jalisco State Prosecutor’s Office has not publicly detailed the status of the investigation. Advocacy groups have called for regular updates and accountability as the case moves forward.
The vigil concluded with a final call for justice and assurances that violence against LGBT+ individuals is investigated with professionalism and without discrimination.
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