World newsTV sidekick accused of killing Mexican comedian
The co-host and longtime friend of a television star shot dead in a Mexico City street has been charged with his murder. He is alleged to have been a key member of a plot organised by a jailed drugs baron.
The murder of Francisco "Paco" Stanley, 56, a popular comedian and talk show presenter, in June sent shock waves through Mexico. He was shot dead in his car by gunmen; a bystander was also killed in the hail of bullets.
The discovery of cocaine in Stanley's system led to suggestions that the hit was connected with drug debts and damaged the cuddly image that Stanley had fostered with anti-drugs broadcasts.
Now the Mexican authorities have charged six people with the murder. They claim that the killing was ordered by Luis Amezcua, who is currently in jail in Mexico City, on charges of drug trafficking.
Prosecutors allege that Stan ley was in debt to Amezcua, who recruited a Uruguayan showgirl who appeared on his TV programme. She is said to have drawn Mario Bezares, his sidekick, into the plot.
Mr Bezares, who has pleaded his innocence, allegedly owed money to both Amezcua and Stanley and became involved in the killing to clear his debts.
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