Bullet Linked to State Guard Helicopter in Girl’s Killing

A seven-year-old girl was killed during a security operation in Matamoros, Mexico, and a ballistic finding links the fatal bullet to a weapon aboard a State Guard helicopter, Tamaulipas prosecutors said. Investigators have not identified who fired the shot, and three armed officers aboard the aircraft are under investigation. No State Guard personnel had been arrested as of November 10.

Aranza Aidelany Pardo, a dual U.S.-Mexican citizen, was traveling with her family on October 29 when they encountered roadblocks following the arrest of Axel Alfredo Cárdenas Rodríguez, an alleged Gulf Cartel figure. Her mother, Claudia Pardo García, was wounded in the leg. Five other people died in crashes involving vehicles used to block roads, according to reports on the operation and ensuing violence.

Pardo said the family took a rural route to avoid the roadblocks and noticed a helicopter following their vehicle. She said it came close before circling in front of them. Her husband got out and raised his hands, she said, while their 13-year-old son also left the vehicle. Pardo said gunfire began and her daughter was hit in the head.

Tamaulipas prosecutor Jesús Govea said forensic analysis...