Mexico: Arrests over death of Malcolm Shabazz, grandson of Malcolm X

GlobalPost
Updated on

GUADALAJARA, Mexico — Mexican authorities have arrested two waiters over the death of Malcolm Shabazz, the grandson of US political activist Malcolm X, in Mexico City last Thursday.

City prosecutor Rodolfo Fernando Rios told a news conference on Monday that David Hernandez Cruz and Manuel Alejandro Perez de Jesus would be charged with murder and robbery.

Police are still looking for at least two more suspects believed to have taken part in the savage attack on Shabazz, 29, who had been drinking at The Palace Club near Plaza Garibaldi, a popular tourist spot.

Investigators believe a fight broke out after Shabazz and his friend, Mexican labor activist Miguel Suarez, disputed a $1,200 bill.

"The aggrieved did not agree with the bill and couldn't come to an agreement," Rios said.

Shabazz "was hit while his companion was threatened and had his belongings taken from him inside the building."

Suarez reportedly fled the bar as a fight erupted. He returned later to find Shabazz badly beaten outside the drinking spot, described in media reports as a "karaoke-cum-brothel."

Shabazz was taken to a hospital where he died from his injuries.

Shabazz is perhaps most widely known for intentionally starting a fire that killed his grandmother, Malcolm X's widow Betty Shabazz, in Yonkers, New York, in 1997.

More from GlobalPost: Malcolm X's grandson, Malcolm Shabazz, reported dead in Mexico (VIDEO)

Sign up for our daily newsletter

Sign up for The Top of the World, delivered to your inbox every weekday morning.