A forensic officer places markers next to bullet casings at the scene of a shooting in Mexico City, Mexico. Reuters

Fourteen people were found dead in the Mexican state of Zacatecas on Friday, the state government said, as violence in the country continues to worsen.

State officials said in a statement that they were investigating to determine the cause of death. The corpses were found in Fresnillo, one of the largest cities in the central mining state.

A police investigator inspects a flak jacket with magazines at a crime scene in Mexico City. Luis Cortes/Reuters

The bodies were wrapped in blankets on the side of the road, according to local media.

Although the number of crimes in Mexico has fallen as much of the country stays home to contain the coronavirus, the number of murders has risen to record levels.

Forensic officers check a police car with a shattered rear window near the scene of a shooting in Mexico City. Reuters

Also on Friday, Mexico City's chief of police was shot and wounded in a dramatic assassination attempt that he blamed on the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. Two of his bodyguards were killed in the attack.