383 Uncremated Bodies Found at Plenitud Crematorium in Ciudad Juárez; Two Detained Amid Fraud Probe and UN Investigation Call

Authorities in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, Mexico, discovered 383 embalmed bodies stored in deplorable conditions at the private crematorium Plenitud. The bodies, some dating back to 2020, were found piled up and not cremated, despite families having paid for cremation services. Investigations revealed that the crematorium delivered fake ashes, consisting of materials such as sand and small stones, to grieving families. The facility had been previously closed twice in 2020 and 2022 due to complaints about foul odors and improper handling of bodies.

The discovery followed an anonymous tip and complaints from local residents. Two individuals, the owner José Luis A. C. and an employee Facundo M. R., have been detained and linked to charges related to illegal burial, exhumation, and disrespect of human remains. Authorities are investigating potential fraud and sanitary violations involving multiple local funeral homes. So far, only 27 of the bodies have been tentatively identified, with families lining up at the Chihuahua Prosecutor's Office seeking confirmation about their loved ones. The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Mexico has called for an exhaustive and independent investigation into the case. The scandal has caused distress among hundreds of families who fear that the ashes they received do not correspond to their relatives. Authorities have suspended operations of five funeral homes connected to the case and are continuing efforts to identify the remains and clarify the extent of the fraud.