Leader of Mexican cult shot dead at altar of skeletal deity revered by criminals

A leader of a cult in Mexico that follows a saint revered by convicts, drug addicts, and criminals was shot dead at an altar of the figure last week. Ironically, the saint, depicted as a female skeleton, is believed to protect her followers from death.

The person belonged to the Mexican folk saint cult “La Santa Muerte”, which roughly translates to "Holy Death". The skeletal figure is also worshipped by other people who feel excluded from society or are experiencing difficulties in life.

Officials said that the incident happened in the city of Leon, in Guanajuato state, where two other people were also killed and eight others sustained injuries.

While the saint is seen as a figure that can save one from death, it did not happen in this case. The Roman Catholic church does not recognise the saint. The person who died at the altar was "La Madrina Chayo", a woman seen as a leader of the cult.

Mexican law does not permit the real name of the victim to be revealed.

The woman, along with others, was preparing the annual Santa Muerte celebration when the shooting started. Another woman and a boy were the other two to have lost their lives. The condition of the injured, which includes two children, is not known.

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Skeletal deity wears a black robe

Santa Muerte is honoured on Nov. 1 and 2, the same day that marks Mexico's Day of the Dead holiday. The deity is linked to violence and the illicit drug trade, and the Roman Catholic leaders in Mexico have slammed the connection.

The saint is seen wearing a black nun’s robe with a scythe in one hand. Santa Muerte is worshipped by those seeking otherworldly help for things like defending oneself against wrongdoing, carrying out vengeance, preventing lovers from cheating and more.

Mafia gangs looking to secure their shipments and ward off law enforcement officials also seek the saint's blessings. However, the annual celebration is friendly, where people wish each other and exchange gifts.