Alejandro Arcos, the newly sworn-in mayor of Chilpancingo, Mexico, was murdered just days after taking office in Guerrero, a state plagued by drug violence.

Unverified reports suggest he was beheaded, though police have not confirmed details.

His death follows the murder of the city government’s secretary, Francisco Tapia, three days earlier.

Guerrero’s governor expressed outrage, and authorities are investigating the killings, as reported by Sky News.

The state has become one of the most dangerous in Mexico for public officials, with several candidates killed ahead of elections earlier this year.

Written by Emily Begley