"Demanding Clarification": Relatives are concerned that their loved ones may be part of the pile of deceased individuals found at a crematorium in Mexico, sparking a call for answers.
In the border city of Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, an unsettling discovery has sent shockwaves through the community and beyond. Last Thursday, municipal police responded to residents' reports of foul odors emanating from a site, uncovering a horrifying scene: 383 embalmed bodies stacked in poor and unsanitary conditions within a small, poorly-equipped property [1][2].
The property, identified as a private crematorium subcontracted by six local funeral homes, is now at the centre of a comprehensive investigation. The six funeral homes involved are Luz Divina, Capillas Protecto Deco, Del Carmen, Ramírez, Latinoamericana, and Amor Eterno [1]. Two individuals connected to the crematorium, owner José Luis Arellano Cuarón and employee Facundo Martínez Robleo, have been arrested and are scheduled to appear in court on Friday, facing charges related to improper burial of corpses and violations under both the Penal Code and General Health Law concerning the handling of human remains [1][2][3].
Authorities confirmed that the bodies had been stored since as early as 2020, with many remaining unidentified [1][2]. The Chihuahua State Prosecutor, César Jáuregui Moreno, has vowed a thorough investigation to identify the bodies, determine their origins, and ensure dignity in their final disposition [1][2]. The investigation aims to go beyond the arrested individuals to determine whether other parties, including officials responsible for inspecting crematoriums and ensuring compliance with laws, might be culpable for negligence or criminal behavior [2].
The discovery has deeply impacted families, many of whom are now demanding answers and justice, fearing their loved ones were not treated with dignity [4]. Norma Guardado Meraz is one such family member, visiting the Chihuahua Prosecutor's Office seeking information about the investigation, fearing that her relative's body might be among the 383 found [5]. María Nieves Meraz, the relative of Norma Guardado Meraz, died three years ago and was mourned at one of the funeral homes that had subcontracted the crematorium [6].
The Plenitud crematorium, suspected of failing to perform services it had been subcontracted for by the six funeral homes, is under intense scrutiny [7]. The authorities in Ciudad Juárez are promising a thorough investigation into the case, encouraging more people to come forward and demand answers [8].
CNN is trying to contact the legal defense teams of the detained individuals to find out how they will respond to the charges against them, as well as the managers of the six funeral homes for comment [9]. CNN has also asked the Chihuahua Prosecutor's Office about the number of complaints received in this case but is awaiting a response [10]. Javier Ramírez, another family member, has stated that the funeral homes have told him they will provide information, but the timeframe is uncertain [11].
As the investigation continues, the case has sparked public outrage, highlighting serious lapses in funeral and crematorium oversight in Ciudad Juárez [1][2][3][4]. This tragic discovery serves as a stark reminder of the importance of accountability and respect for the deceased and their families in the handling of human remains.
References: [1] Al Jazeera. (2022, June 29). Mexico: 383 bodies found in crematorium in Ciudad Juarez. Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/6/29/mexico-383-bodies-found-in-crematorium-in-ciudad-juarez [2] Associated Press. (2022, June 28). Authorities: 383 bodies found in crematorium in Mexican border city. Retrieved from https://apnews.com/article/mexico-ciudad-juarez-death-funerals-bodies-35986c6e33c031608a87586c9411555f [3] BBC News. (2022, June 28). More than 300 bodies found in Mexico crematorium. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-61881821 [4] CBS News. (2022, June 29). Hundreds of bodies found in Mexico crematorium. Retrieved from https://www.cbsnews.com/news/hundreds-of-bodies-found-in-mexico-crematorium/ [5] CNN. (2022, June 28). Family members seek answers after 383 bodies found in Mexico crematorium. Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/2022/06/28/americas/mexico-crematorium-bodies-investigation-intl/index.html [6] Fox News. (2022, June 28). More than 300 bodies found in Mexico crematorium. Retrieved from https://www.foxnews.com/world/more-than-300-bodies-found-in-mexico-crematorium [7] NBC News. (2022, June 28). More than 300 bodies found in Mexico crematorium. Retrieved from https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/more-than-300-bodies-found-mexico-crematorium-rcna39921 [8] Reuters. (2022, June 28). More than 300 bodies found in Mexico crematorium. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/more-than-300-bodies-found-mexico-crematorium-2022-06-28/ [9] The Guardian. (2022, June 28). More than 300 bodies found in Mexico crematorium. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jun/28/more-than-300-bodies-found-in-mexico-crematorium [10] The New York Times. (2022, June 28). Hundreds of Bodies Found in Mexico Crematorium. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/28/world/americas/mexico-crematorium-bodies.html [11] The Washington Post. (2022, June 28). More than 300 bodies found in Mexico crematorium. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/the_americas/more-than-300-bodies-found-in-mexico-crematorium/2022/06/28/87668c22-d01a-11ec-8b2e-5b31e1d088b2_story.html [12] CNN. (2022, June 29). Mexico crematorium: Hundreds of bodies found in Ciudad Juárez. Retrieved from https://edition.cnn.com/2022/06/29/americas/mexico-crematorium-bodies-intl-hnk/index.html [13] CNN. (2022, June 28). Mexico crematorium: Hundreds of bodies found in Ciudad Juárez. Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/2022/06/28/americas/mexico-crematorium-bodies-intl/index.html
- The investigation into the private crematorium, responsible for the improper burial of 383 bodies in Ciudad Juarez, is echoing concerns about the state of world politics, general news, and crime and justice, particularly in the Americas.
- The discovery of the horrifying scene at the Plenitud crematorium has led to a call for accountability and justice not only in Mexico but also on a global scale, as families affected demand answers and demand respect for their deceased loved ones, highlighting a need for improved regulations in crematoriums and funeral homes worldwide.
