Mexican Singer Javier Rosas Shot in Mexico, Reportedly in Critical Condition

Angie Romero
·2 min read

Update: A statement from Rosas’ press office overnight explains that he is being treated in the intensive care unit at Hospital Ángeles in Culiacán after undergoing a lengthy surgery. His condition remains critical and he is in need of blood donors, reps say. 

Grupero star Javier Rosas is the latest victim of violence in Mexico. The 23-year-old singer was shot on March 22 in the parking lot of a shopping mall in his native Culiacán, in the northern state of Sinaloa, according to multiple outlets.

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Rosas was reportedly shot while riding in a white Suburban SUV with three other people, two of whom are reported dead as a result of the attack. Local newspapers indicate that one of the victims who passed away was Rosas’ cousin while the other was a driver who lost control of the car following the shooting and crashed into a pole.

Mexican Singer Alfredo Olivas Shot During Concert

Rosas, who suffered multiple bullet wounds — in his chest, abdomen, arm and legs — is being treated at a local hospital. Local sources state Rosas underwent surgery. His condition is being described as critical, following a significant loss of blood.

Before municipal police and paramedics responded to the scene of the shooting, Rosas and one other passenger were seen by eyewitnesses as running toward the entrance of the mall, seeking help.

The singer’s press office issued a statement Tuesday explaining,”nothing is yet known about the shooters or the motives…the authorities are currently conducting investigations.”

Born Javier Arturo Rosas Almaral in Culiacán, the “La China” singer recently received the Micrófono de Oro (Golden Microphone) in Miami, an award given out by the Asociación Nacional de Locutores de Estados Unidos (Spanish Language National US Broadcasters Association). The ceremony, hosted by El Patrón 94.5 FM, took place on March 15, recognizing Latin artists who figure prominently on the radio.

In his latest tweet/Instagram on March 21 prior to the shooting, Rosas seemed excited to play the Foro Tecate in his native Sinaloa that night:

Next month he was due to tour with his band, La Artillería Pesada, throughout the US in support of his third studio album, Otro Golpe.

Rosas’ shooting is the latest in a string of violent incidents involving grupero singers in Mexico. Earlier this month, on March 7, 17-year-old Alfredo Olivas was shot in Chihuahua, after he reportedly complimented an audience member’s girlfriend. He is said to be in stable condition and recovering. Similarly, on March 15, Rogelio “El Chicken” Contreras Rivera, of the band Kumbiamberos RS, was kidnapped and killed while playing at a bar in Monterrey.

The grupero genre is still mourning the unexpected loss of DEL Records singer-songwriter Ariel Camacho, who passed away at 22 following a tragic car accident on February 25. Camacho had been on tour promoting his latest album El Karma when his car crashed on a highway in Sinaloa.

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