Celebrity Lawyer David Cohen, Who Represented Anahí, Maite Perroni and Sebastián Rulli, Killed in Mexico City Shooting

Celebrity attorney David Cohen Sacal, whose high-profile clients included Mexican stars Anahí, Maite Perroni and Sebastián Rulli, was shot and killed outside the Mexico City Courthouse complex on Monday, October 13. The attack, carried out in broad daylight in one of the city’s busiest judicial zones, has shocked both the entertainment and legal communities.

According to the Mexico City Attorney General’s Office (FGJCDMX), Cohen died in the early hours of Tuesday, October 14, at a private hospital after succumbing to a gunshot wound to the head. Authorities confirmed that the 48-year-old lawyer was leaving the courthouse in the capital’s Doctores neighborhood when he was ambushed.

According to El País, witnesses reported that a young man approached Cohen on foot and fired at least two rounds at close range. One bullet struck him in the head, and another hit his thigh. The shooter attempted to flee on a motorcycle but was stopped by an off-duty Investigative Police officer who returned fire, injuring the suspect in the arm.

Police identified the attacker as Héctor “N”, who initially claimed to be underage but was later confirmed to be 18 years old. Mexican outlet Récord reported that the suspect allegedly confessed to being paid 30,000 pesos (about $1,700 USD) to carry out the hit and that he “did not personally know the victim.” Investigators are now tracing who might have ordered the killing.

A High-Profile Lawyer to Mexico’s Stars

Cohen wasn’t just a courtroom name; he was a familiar figure in Mexico’s celebrity circles. He represented numerous public figures, including RBD singer and actresses Maite Perroni and Anahí, who is currently a judge on ¿Quién es la Máscara?, and Argentine-born telenovela star Sebastián Rulli.

Entertainment journalist Ana María Alvarado revealed on her show that Cohen had been “working for Anahí” shortly before his death. “He called me about some comments that had been made about her. We had cleared everything up,” Alvarado said. The star herself has not commented publicly on the tragedy.

Cohen’s client list extended beyond entertainment. He also represented Guillermo “Billy” Álvarez, the former president of Mexico’s Cruz Azul soccer cooperative, who has faced allegations of financial misconduct. According to El País, Cohen was managing several high-stakes corporate and criminal cases at the time of his death.

Known for his sharp suits and discreet demeanor, Cohen built his reputation as one of Mexico’s most prominent civil and commercial litigators. He co-founded the law firm Cohen Medina Chávez (CMCH), specializing in amparo cases, constitutional challenges, and corporate litigation. Colleagues described him as “calm under pressure” and “highly strategic.”

The Investigation and Broader Impact

The Mexico City Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that a homicide investigation is underway and that ballistic evidence and security footage are being analyzed to determine whether the attack was connected to one of Cohen’s active cases. Authorities are also investigating possible links to organized crime, given the hitman-style execution and payment claim.

Cohen’s killing has renewed concerns about violence against legal professionals in Mexico, where lawyers handling celebrity or corruption-linked cases often face intimidation. The Mexican Bar Association issued a statement condemning the murder and urging authorities to ensure the safety of litigants and prosecutors.

The case has also drawn attention beyond Mexico’s borders due to Cohen’s ties with internationally recognized figures like Anahí and Rulli, both of whom have massive Latin American and U.S. Hispanic fanbases. For many, the attack underscores the blurred lines between celebrity culture and the dangers of Mexico’s criminal underworld.