Mexican state prosecutor resigns amid criticism of investigation into reporter's slaying

VERACRUZ, Mexico – The head prosecutor in Mexico's Veracruz state has resigned one week after the body of a kidnapped newspaper reporter was found in a clandestine grave.

State prosecutor Felipe Flores Espinosa's office has drawn criticism for quickly concluding that the crime-beat reporter was killed because of a personal dispute with a bar owner.

Reporter Gregorio Lopez worked for the newspapers Notisur and El Liberal. He was kidnapped by armed men Feb. 5 and his body was found buried in the backyard of a home a week later. The remains of a missing union leader whom Lopez had written about was found nearby.

The Veracruz state government said Wednesday that Flores Espinosa resigned "for personal reasons."

Ten journalists have been killed in Veracruz under the current administration of Gov. Javier Duarte.