Who Was Ernesto Barajas’ Wife Alexis Sillas?

Mexican regional music star Ernesto Barajas, the founder and frontman of the band Enigma Norteño, was tragically shot and killed on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, in Zapopan, Jalisco. He was 38.

According to El País, Barajas was attacked in a car park by two assailants on a motorcycle while traveling in a pickup truck. A male companion in his 20s also lost his life, and an 18-year-old woman nearby was seriously injured. Authorities are investigating the case, though no suspects have been named, and the motive remains unclear.

Ernesto Barajas’ wife and children

Barajas is survived by his wife, Alexis Sillas, and their two children. The couple married in 2012 and had built a life together between Mexico and the United States.

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They welcomed their son, Ernesto Junior, in 2014, and their daughter, Alix Emilia, in 2016. Despite the fame and controversies tied to his music, Barajas often described himself as a family man who valued time with his wife and children.

Alexis Sillas herself has connections to music. Alongside Willy Moytez, she co-founded the group Efecto Xpansivo.

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Ernesto Barajas’ career and legacy

Born on September 16, 1986, in Culiacán, Sinaloa, Barajas founded Enigma Norteño in 2004. The group rose to prominence in the narcocorrido genre, a substyle of Mexican corridos known for narrating stories tied to the drug trade and cartel figures.

Enigma Norteño’s songs often referenced powerful cartel leaders. Tracks like Will They Want More? (El Mencho) honored CJNG leader Nemesio Oseguera, while Los Placeres de Archivaldo was dedicated to Iván Archivaldo Guzmán, son of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán. Other songs referenced Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada and factions of the Sinaloa cartel.

Despite the risks, the band gained huge popularity, with more than 4 million monthly listeners on Spotify. Barajas served as the group’s vocalist, director, and producer, alongside members Adán Hernández, Freddy Hernández, Macario Moreno, and Humberto Pérez.

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Beyond music, Barajas also hosted a YouTube podcast, Puntos de Vista, interviewing artists like Carín León, Gabito Ballesteros, and Eduin Cazares. Some episodes drew millions of views.

Past threats and controversies

Barajas had spoken in interviews about trying not to offend anyone with his lyrics, but the dangers surrounding narcocorrido music were undeniable. In August 2023, Enigma Norteño canceled a performance in Baja California after alleged threats from the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).

Earlier this year, in March 2025, Mexican singer Arley Pérez accused Barajas of sabotaging his career under alleged orders from Néstor Isidro Pérez Salas, better known as “El Nini,” a security chief for the Los Chapitos faction.

Remembering the artist

Though surrounded by controversy, Ernesto Barajas was admired for his talent, charisma, and dedication to music. His death leaves behind a grieving family, loyal fans, and a legacy that shaped the modern narcocorrido genre.