Armando Linares, the co-founder and editor of news website Monitor Michoacan, has been killed in the city of Zitacuaro in the western state of Michoacan, Mexico. 

On Tuesday, unidentified attackers shot and killed Mr Linares at his home in the central city of Zitácuaro, according to news reports. Mr Linares’ death was confirmed by the police.

Local media Aristegui Noticias reported that Mr Linares was shot at least eight times and had died before he could be taken to a hospital.

The Michoacán state prosecutor’s office confirmed the killing in a tweet on Wednesday, adding that an investigation had been opened under protocols for crimes against journalists.

“#FiscaliaMich goes to the Carabanchel neighbourhood, in Zitácuaro, to carry out actions in relation to the murder of journalist Armando Linares López, which occurred this afternoon in a private home; He has gunshot wounds,” the Attorney General’s office said. 

Mr Linares is the second Monitor Michoacán journalist killed this year. On January 31, video editor Roberto Toledo was also shot and killed by unknown attackers. 

Mr Linares is the seventh Mexican journalist killed in less than three months in Mexico, according to data from the Committee to Protect Journalists.  

In a statement, the CPJ urged Mexican authorities to investigate the killing of Mr Linares López and ensure the protection of his colleagues.  

The newspaper is known for publishing damning reports of Mexican public officials. Last year, articles had been reported accusing former Zitácuaro Mayor Carlos Herrera and former Michoacán Governor Silvano Aureoles of corruption, embezzlement, and influence peddling.