The bodies of nine students, who vanished during a vacation in southern Mexico last month, have been discovered in a harrowing scene by the side of a local highway. Authorities found the dismembered remains along with a bag containing eight pairs of hands and two additional hands left in the trunk of an abandoned vehicle. The group, hailing from Tlaxcala, had been reported missing on February 27 after traveling to the beaches in Oaxaca.
A dark gray Volkswagen Vento, with license plates registered in Tlaxcala, was found around 150 miles southeast of Mexico City in San Jose Miahuatlan. This grisly discovery included four bodies inside the trunk and five corpses beneath a blood-soaked tarp. Surveillance footage dated February 24 showed the vehicle traveling along the Atlixcayotl highway near Atlixco, roughly 90 miles from where the remains were eventually found.
Most victims have been identified: Angie Lizeth, Leslie, Brenda Mariel, Jacqueline Ailet, Noemi Yamileth, Raul Emmanuel, Ruben Antonio, and Rolando Armando. However, one victim remains unidentified. The ages of those found range from 19 to 30 years old, and all bore bullet wounds and evidence of torture.
Mexico's current climate of violence has reached unprecedented levels, with 2023 marking over 30,000 murders—the highest in recent history. The disappearance of these students and their subsequent brutal end add to the growing concerns over safety and crime in the country.
The Attorney General’s Office in Puebla, led by Idamis Pastor Betancourt, is working closely with counterparts in Tlaxcala and Oaxaca to apprehend the perpetrators. Despite having potential leads, authorities are maintaining confidentiality regarding the ongoing investigation.
“So far I cannot offer information. There are lines of investigation, but I cannot reveal them due to confidentiality,” said Idamis Pastor Betancourt.
“All relevant investigations are being carried out. When we have a response and the investigation is complete, we will be in a position to provide more information,” Betancourt further stated.
The tragic incident has left families and communities in mourning while authorities continue their search for justice. As investigations proceed, the public remains hopeful for answers and accountability for this horrific crime.
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