Moreno was killed on Thursday in Apatzingan during two days of shootouts between gunmen and federal police, according to the government. MORELIA, Mexico -- A peace march called by local authorities in western Mexico turned into a show of support for a slain drug lord Sunday, with adults and children carrying signs lauding the capo known for handing out Bibles to the poor. Hundreds of people turned out for the march in Apatzingan, the birth place of La Familia cartel leader Nazario Moreno, who was known as "The Craziest One" and reputedly indoctrinated his gang members in pseudo-Christian ideology.
The government says Moreno was killed in Apatzingan on Thursday in a shootout with federal police. The hunt for Moreno and other La Familia leaders set off two days of battles in key parts of Michoacan state, with cartel gunmen using torched cars and buses to blockade highways.
At least 11 other people were killed, including a baby and a teenage girl. The Apatzingan government convoked the march to call for peace and demand that federal troops and police leave the city. But local officials quickly distanced themselves from the event after people showed up with the pro-Moreno signs. One man held up a sign that said: "Nazario will always live in our hearts. Nazario, for students your ideals live on.
The city government issued a statement saying it decided not to participate in the march "after determining the right conditions were not in place. It was the second straight day that Apatzingan residents took to the streets to show support for Moreno.
On Saturday night, hundreds marched with similar signs. Also on Sunday, banners were hung from bridges in Petacalco, a town in southern Michoacan state, reading: "We support La Familia Michoacana. We will always remember Nazario Moreno, The Doctor" -- another nickname for the kingpin.
