The Tragic End of Felipe Arriaga: A Mexican Singer and Actor Who Was Murdered

Introduction

Felipe Arriaga was a famous singer and actor from Mexico who rose to prominence in the 70s and 80s. He was known for his ranchera music and his collaborations with the legendary Vicente Fernández. He also starred in several movies, such as “El Hijo del pueblo”, “La ley del monte”, and “El coyote y la bronca”. However, his life was cut short on November 3, 1988, when he was shot by unknown assailants outside his home in Mexico City. He was only 51 years old. This article will explore the life and death of Felipe Arriaga, and the mystery behind his murder.

Early Life and Career

Felipe Arriaga was born on September 27, 1937, in Rancho El Pitayo, Cotija de la Paz, Michoacán. He was the eleventh child of Gerardo and Meche Aguilar, who were humble farmers. He only attended school until the second grade, as he had to work as a shoemaker to help his family. However, he had a passion for music since he was a child, and he learned to play the guitar and sing by himself.

He moved to Mexico City in 1956, where he met Vicente Fernández, who became his friend and mentor. They formed a duo called “Los Dos Compadres”, and performed in various venues and radio stations. They also recorded several albums together, such as “El Hijo del pueblo” and “La ley del monte”. Felipe Arriaga also pursued a solo career, and released songs like “El cafre”, “Cargamento mortal”, and “El corrido de los Pérez”.

He also ventured into acting, and appeared in more than 20 films, mostly in the genres of action, drama, and comedy. Some of his most notable roles were in “El cafre” (1986), where he played a drug trafficker; “La ley del monte” (1976), where he played a rebel leader; and “El coyote y la bronca” (1980), where he played a bandit.

The Night of His Murder

On the night of November 3, 1988, Felipe Arriaga was outside his home in Mexico City, admiring his new car that he had bought with his earnings from his music. He was accompanied by his wife, one of his children, and a friend. Suddenly, a blue car without license plates stopped near them, and two men got out and opened fire at them with a machine gun. Felipe Arriaga was hit by five bullets, while his companions were injured but survived.

The attackers fled the scene, leaving behind a scene of horror and confusion. The neighbors, who were fans of Felipe Arriaga, were too scared to intervene or call the police. By the time the authorities arrived, Felipe Arriaga had already bled to death. He was taken to a hospital in Zihuatanejo, where he was pronounced dead.

The Mystery Behind His Murder

The motive behind Felipe Arriaga’s murder remains unclear to this day. No one was ever arrested or charged for the crime. There were rumors that it was related to a feud with some organized crime group, but there was no evidence to support this theory. Some also speculated that it was a case of mistaken identity, or a robbery gone wrong.

However, some people believe that there was a political motive behind his murder. According to some sources, Felipe Arriaga was planning to run for mayor of Cotija de la Paz, his hometown, in the next elections. He had also expressed his support for Cuauhtémoc Cárdenas, the leader of the leftist opposition party that challenged the ruling party in the 1988 presidential elections. Some suspect that his murder was orchestrated by some powerful interests that wanted to silence him and prevent him from entering politics.

Conclusion

Felipe Arriaga was a talented singer and actor who left a mark on Mexican culture with his ranchera music and his films. He was also a loyal friend and compadre of Vicente Fernández, who mourned his death deeply. His murder shocked and saddened his fans and colleagues, who still remember him fondly. His legacy lives on through his songs and movies, which are still enjoyed by many people today.

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