- Prosecutors say the suspects expected to find a cold wallet holding bitcoin worth millions.
- No cited official record confirms the widely reported $1.5 million wallet balance.
- Two suspects remain detained while a judge reviews the prosecution evidence.
Jonathan “Honas” Meléndez and three others were killed at his family home in Atizapán de Zaragoza on September 1. Mexican prosecutors say two detained men entered while seeking a Bitcoin wallet believed to contain assets worth millions.
The case has circulated online as a $1.5 million Bitcoin wallet murder. However, available official accounts do not confirm that exact balance.
Prosecutors Describe an Alleged Bitcoin Search
The State of Mexico prosecutor’s office identified the victims as Meléndez, his pregnant wife, their daughter, and a household worker. The family dog was also killed, while the couple’s six-year-old son survived.
Prosecutors allege Diego Sebastián “N” used a business relationship with Meléndez to enter the apartment. They accuse Gerardo “N” of assisting him and driving the vehicle used during the alleged crime.
According to the prosecution’s reconstruction, both men believed the home contained a cold wallet holding bitcoin worth millions. Investigators also allege Diego promised Gerardo 2 million pesos for helping locate the assets.
Security footage placed the men inside the residential complex during the estimated time of death. Prosecutors also cited witness statements and forensic evidence.
The Reported $1.5 Million Lacks Confirmation
The cryptocurrency motive comes from what prosecutors say the suspects expected to find. That claim identifies an alleged target, but it does not prove the Bitcoin wallet existed.
A Bitcoin.com report placed its value near $1.5 million. However, the report provided no wallet address, transaction record, or official document supporting that amount.
Separate court coverage from El Financiero said prosecutors discussed at least $3.5 million in cryptocurrency. Prosecutors also alleged that transfers went to Spain.
El Economista reported that authorities were still investigating possible transfers. Investigators had not located the device reportedly containing access credentials.
None of the cited reports provides public blockchain evidence linking a specific address to Meléndez. The record supports an alleged crypto motive, not a verified $1.5 million holding or completed theft.
Two Suspects Remain in Preventive Detention
Authorities arrested the suspects on September 2 following coordination between state and federal agencies. Reuters reported that one suspect had an established connection with Meléndez.
A control judge later declared the arrests lawful and ordered preventive detention. Prosecutors accused both men of aggravated multiple homicide, unlawful termination of pregnancy, and animal cruelty.
The detention order does not establish guilt. Defense lawyers requested more time before the court decides whether the evidence supports formal criminal proceedings.
Cold Wallet Claims Raise an Offline Security Risk
Cold wallets keep private keys away from internet-connected systems, but they cannot remove every risk. Knowledge about an owner’s holdings can shift threats from software to physical coercion.
Security researchers call such crimes “wrench attacks.” Assailants use threats or violence instead of exploiting wallet software. Previous reporting has documented a wider rise in violent attacks against crypto holders.
The case shows why claims about Bitcoin wallet balances require caution. Reports of completed transfers also require addresses or verified blockchain records.
Both defendants retain the presumption of innocence. Their next hearing is scheduled for September 9, when a judge will consider opening formal proceedings.
Related: US Bitcoin Theft Case Nears Guilty Plea After a $240 Million Spending Spree
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