Son of Birriería Guadalajara Owner Murdered in Ensenada

Ensenada Shooting Claims Life of Businessman’s Son; Cartel Links Investigated

Published: October 26, 2025 at 9:00 AM PST

Details of the Incident

A Shooting occured on Saturday, October 25th, resulting in the death of Omar Cisneros Salcedo, 33, inside Birriería Guadalajara in Ensenada, Mexico. The incident was reported to emergency services at approximately 6:52 P.M.local time, following reports of gunshots heard by nearby residents.

According to initial reports, the alleged assailants, described as wearing dark clothing, fled the scene in a blue Xterra truck in the direction of Ryerson Street. Paramedics arriving at the scene pronounced Mr. Cisneros Salcedo deceased.

Investigation Reveals Possible Cartel Connection

Law Enforcement officials have indicated that the shooting appears to be a targeted attack. Preliminary findings suggest a possible connection between the victim and members of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), a powerful drug trafficking organization in Mexico. The victim was reportedly executed at close range.

The police report detailed the sequence of events, describing the initial emergency call, the arrival of authorities, and the confirmation of the fatality.An abandoned vehicle matching the description of the getaway car, a blue Xterra with california license plates 7TNK079, was later discovered on Miguel Alemán Street, lights on, in the Ampliación Moderna neighborhood.

Family and business Ties

Omar Cisneros Salcedo was the son of Manuel Cisneros, a local businessman with a stake in multiple companies. manuel Cisneros is a partner,alongside jesús González Lomelí,in three separate business ventures,with Fernando Salgado Chávez also holding a partnership in one of them.

Notably, both Jesús González Lomelí and Candelario Arcega Aguirre were recently sanctioned by the U.S. Department of the treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) on September 18th over alleged connections to former Rosarito Mayor Araceli Brown Figueredo. One of the sanctioned companies, Operadora deAlimentas con Orígenes de México S. de RL de CV, lists Manuel Cisneros as a partner, with jesús González Lomelí holding the majority share.

Individual	Role
Omar Cisneros Salcedo	victim
Manuel Cisneros	Father of the victim, Businessman
Jesús González Lomelí	Business Partner, Sanctioned Individual

Mexico’s Ongoing Security Challenges

This incident highlights the ongoing security challenges in Mexico, notably violence linked to organized crime. According to data released by the Secretariat of Citizen security and Protection in September 2024, intentional homicides in Baja California decreased 5.2% compared to the same period last year, but remain a significant concern. The presence and influence of cartels like CJNG continue to pose a significant threat to public safety and economic stability.

Did You Know? Baja California has become a key transit point for drug trafficking into the United States, making it a focal point of cartel activity.

pro tip: If traveling in regions affected by cartel violence, exercising a high degree of caution and being aware of your surroundings is crucial.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Ensenada Shooting

• What is the current status of the investigation? The investigation is ongoing, with authorities actively searching for the perpetrators.
• What is the Jalisco New Generation Cartel? The CJNG is a powerful Mexican drug cartel known for its violence and increasing influence.
• Were any arrests made in connection with this shooting? As of October 26, 2025, no arrests have been announced.
• What businesses are Manuel Cisneros involved in? Mr. Cisneros is a partner in three companies alongside Jesús González Lomelí.
• What were the U.S. sanctions against Jesús González Lomelí for? The sanctions were imposed due to alleged connections to a former mayor and for involvement in illicit financial activities.

What are your thoughts on the impact of cartel violence on local businesses? Do you beleive the sanctions imposed by the U.S. government are effective in combating organized crime?

Share your opinions in the comments below.

What factors might contribute to the high levels of violence and crime in Ensenada, Baja California?

The Incident and Victim Identification

On October 25, 2025, Ensenada, Baja California, was shaken by the tragic murder of 28-year-old Bryan Espinoza, son of José Espinoza, the owner of the renowned Birriería Guadalajara. Local authorities confirmed the incident occurred in the Zona Río district, a popular area for both residents and tourists. Initial reports indicate Bryan Espinoza was targeted in a shooting. The investigation is ongoing, with the Ensenada Municipal Police and the Baja California State prosecutor’s Office collaborating to determine the motive and identify those responsible.

Birriería Guadalajara: A local Institution

Birriería Guadalajara, established over three decades ago, is a cornerstone of Ensenada’s culinary scene. Known for it’s traditional birria (a slow-cooked meat stew, typically goat or beef), the restaurant has garnered a loyal following and is considered a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts. The Espinoza family’s dedication to quality and authentic recipes has cemented Birriería Guadalajara’s reputation. The restaurant remains temporarily closed following the tragic event, with a reopening date yet to be announced. This closure impacts local tourism and the availability of a beloved regional dish.

Details of the Shooting & Police Investigation

Preliminary investigations suggest the shooting took place around 10:00 PM on Thursday evening. Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots in the vicinity of Avenida López Mateos. Bryan Espinoza was found with gunshot wounds and pronounced dead at the scene.

* Key Investigative Focus: Authorities are exploring several potential motives, including possible connections to organized crime and personal disputes.

* Evidence Collection: Forensic teams have been meticulously collecting evidence at the crime scene, including shell casings and security camera footage.

* Witness Interviews: Police are actively interviewing witnesses who may have information regarding the incident.

* Increased Security: In response to the murder, local authorities have increased police presence in the Zona Río area to reassure residents and deter further violence.

The Rise in violence in Ensenada

The murder of Bryan Espinoza is sadly part of a concerning trend of increasing violence in Ensenada and other parts of Baja California. Recent years have seen a surge in cartel-related activity,leading to a rise in homicides and other violent crimes.

* Cartel Activity: The presence of multiple cartels vying for control of lucrative smuggling routes and local businesses is a major contributing factor.

* Tourism Impact: The escalating violence poses a threat to the region’s tourism industry, a vital source of revenue for Ensenada.

* Government Response: The Mexican government has deployed additional National Guard troops to Baja California in an effort to restore order and combat organized crime.

* Related Crimes: Alongside homicides, there has been an increase in extortion, kidnapping, and vehicle theft in the region.

Community Reaction and Support for the Espinoza family

the news of Bryan Espinoza’s murder has been met with widespread shock and grief within the Ensenada community. Social media platforms have been flooded with messages of condolence and support for the Espinoza family.

* Online Condolences: A hashtag, #JusticiaParaBryan, has been trending on Twitter, with users expressing outrage and demanding justice.

* Local Businesses: Several local businesses have offered their support to Birriería Guadalajara, expressing solidarity with the Espinoza family.

* Fundraising Efforts: Community members have initiated fundraising efforts to assist the family with funeral expenses and other financial needs.

* Vigil Planned: A candlelight vigil is planned for Friday evening in front of Birriería Guadalajara to honor Bryan espinoza’s memory.

Recent Scam Alerts in Mexico (Related to Package Delivery)

While seemingly unrelated to the Ensenada murder, it’s crucial to note a recent surge in scams targeting residents across Mexico. According to reports from El Correo (dated October 24, 2025), a new scam involves criminals posing as delivery personnel to defraud victims. This highlights a broader issue of criminal activity impacting Mexican citizens. https://www.elcorreo.com/sociedad/funciona-nueva-estafa-paquete-intentan-entregarte-pedido-20250124212401-nt.html

Keywords:

Birriería Guadalajara, Ensenada, Bryan Espinoza, José Espinoza, murder, homicide, Baja California, Zona Río, cartel violence, Mexico crime, birria, restaurant, local news, Ensenada news, mexican violence, organized crime, police investigation, #JusticiaParaBryan, package delivery scam, El Correo.