6 Found Dead in Abandoned Truck in Navolato, Sinaloa | Luz Noticias

Five men reported missing in northern Sinaloa state were found dead Wednesday afternoon, their bodies in a state of decomposition in the bed of an abandoned pickup truck in the municipality of Navolato. Authorities confirmed the bodies are those of Luis Ramón Flores Ceballos, 38, and his son, Luis Armando Flores Vallejo, 19; brothers Juan Antonio Soto Espain, 29, and José Ángel Soto Espain, 17; and Heriberto López Díaz, 30.

The men, all residents of Mazatlán, were last seen Saturday, February 7th, while reportedly traveling towards Villa de Ahome in the municipality of Ahome, according to local news outlet Luz Noticias. Their disappearance prompted a search effort by authorities.

The bodies were discovered in a Mitsubishi pickup truck abandoned on the Benito Juárez highway, near kilometer 14, close to the Las Brisas or San Pedro bridge in the San Pedro sindicatura, Navolato. The truck was transported to the Forensic Medical Service in Culiacán for identification and further investigation.

Authorities confirmed the identities after removing tarps and blankets from the truck bed, revealing the remains of five individuals. The truck itself had been reported stolen, prompting notification to the vehicle theft unit of the state police.

Investigators believe the bodies had been in the truck for some time, and DNA testing will be required for official confirmation of identities. The men were reportedly last seen traveling in a white Dodge Attitude.

Sources suggest the five men may have been involved in a criminal organization specializing in jewelry robberies, kidnappings, and extortion in the southern part of the state, particularly in Mazatlán. However, state authorities have not officially confirmed this connection.

The state prosecutor’s office is continuing its investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths and formally identify the victims.