Eighth Juarez police officer killed this month

Related: Officer slayings increase: Jucrez killings may point to surge in violence, experts say

Another Jucrez police agent was shot and killed this morning, bringing the number of officers slain this year to eight.

The attack occurred before 9:14 a.m. today near the intersection of Cartamo and Garambullo Streets, in Colonia Granjero, a spokesperson with the state prosecutor's office said.

The officer, who was identified as 35-year-old Julicn Amado Jucrez Baena, was found dead next to a red pickup truck with multiple gunshot wounds to the head and chest. Authorities recovered several 7.62x39 and .223 mm bullet casings, commonly used with AK-47 and AR-15 assault rifles.

A spokesperson with the municipal police department did not return calls to comment.

On Friday morning, two police agents were ambushed and gunned down, officials said. The two officers -- a man and woman -- were killed by a group of armed men when they headed into work, said Adricn Scnchez, a police spokesman.

Two police commanders were also killed earlier this month. On Wednesday, two other police officers were shot after finishing their shift, and another officer was killed earlier.

This week's killings follow Wednesday's discovery of about 10 banners, allegedly signed by members of the so-called New Jucrez Cartel, in different parts of the city.

The messages, addressed to Jucrez Police Chief Julicn Leyzaola, threaten to kill a police agent every day.

Alejandro Martcnez-Cabrera can be reached at [email protected]; 546-6129.