Hundreds of Corpse Piles Discovered at Mexican Crematorium

A disturbing discovery of hundreds of bodies at a crematorium in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, has sparked an investigation into alleged negligence. Authorities found the remains stacked haphazardly, raising serious questions about the facility’s practices and the handling of the deceased.

Grim Findings Emerge

Prosecutors in Ciudad Juarez have revealed that 381 corpses were discovered at a private crematorium. According to Eloy Garcia, a spokesperson for the Chihuahua state prosecutor’s office, the bodies were not cremated but rather “stacked” in various rooms of the building. He noted they were “just thrown like that, indiscriminately, one on top of the other, on the floor.”

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“Preliminarily, we have 381 bodies that were deposited irregularly in the crematorium, which were not cremated,”

—Eloy Garcia, Spokesperson

The embalmed bodies may have been stored for up to two years. In Mexico, the backlog in the forensic system has become critical, exacerbated by a surge in violent crime, with approximately 300,000 homicides recorded between 2006 and 2023, according to government data (Statista 2024).

Allegations of Neglect and Deception

Relatives received “other material” instead of ashes, as stated by Garcia. He attributed this to “carelessness and irresponsibility” on the part of the crematorium’s owners. One administrator has already been taken into custody.

The authorities have not yet specified whether the bodies were victims of crime. The case underscores the strain on Mexico’s forensic system, battling a high volume of cases, insufficient personnel, and financial limitations.