Mexico’s cartel violence haunts civilians as the June 2 election approaches

By MEGAN JANETSKY
Associated Press

HUITZILAC, Mexico (AP) — Cartel violence haunted the central Mexican town of Huitzilac days after a mass shooting claimed the lives of eight men. The shooting coincides with a larger wave of violence leading up to Mexico’s June 2 election. Experts say criminal groups use violence as a tool to make power grabs before elections. They pick off local candidates and they also war for turf and sow fear among civilians. Mexico’s conflict has grown more complex in recent years. That leaves the country’s incoming leader with a puzzle of warring factions.