Mexican Official Linked to Ex-Car Registry Dies

MEXICO CITY — A top Mexican trade official linked to a former national car registry that had been run by an accused Argentine torturer was found with his throat cut, and authorities said Thursday that he apparently took his own life.

The body of Raul Ramos Tercero, 45, a deputy secretary in the Trade Ministry, was found on a roadside about 12 miles from Mexico City on Wednesday night, said Gerardo Sanchez, the attorney general in the state of Mexico.

Sanchez said authorities were in possession of six letters addressed by Ramos to government and media leaders, his wife and parents. Monitor Radio said Ramos wrote that he was not involved in any crime.