Bitcoin Cold-Wallet Robbery Leaves Musician and Family Dead
Mexican musician Jonathan Meléndez and his family were brutally murdered in an alleged Bitcoin cold-wallet robbery on September 1. Prosecutors arrested Diego Sebastián 'N' and Gerardo 'N', who allegedly believed Meléndez controlled a cold wallet containing millions of dollars in Bitcoin.
The suspects, who had a business relationship with Meléndez, gained access to the residence after promising one of them two million Mexican pesos for helping recover the crypto. The pair is accused of qualified homicide involving four victims, unlawful termination of a pregnancy, and animal cruelty.
A total of 46 violent crypto attacks have been recorded in 2026, with over $30 million stolen. Home invasions represented 37% of documented cases, while kidnappings accounted for 52%. The suspects face up to 70 years per victim if convicted.