Mexican authorities have uncovered a horrifying scene in Ciudad Juárez, a border city near El Paso, Texas, where nearly 400 corpses were discovered inside a building believed to have been used as a secret crematorium.
According to a report by Mail Online on Tuesday, officials found 383 complete bodies and six sets of partial human remains stacked inside what was initially believed to be a private residence. The gruesome discovery was made on Thursday, June 29, 2025, after a tip led law enforcement to the property.
Investigators revealed that some of the bodies had been stored for up to four years. While many had been embalmed, none were properly buried or cremated, as would be expected.
Authorities have since arrested the facility’s operator, Jose Luis Arellano Cuaron, and one of his employees. Both face charges related to the improper handling and disposal of human remains. Officials noted that more charges, possibly including homicide, could follow as the investigation continues.
Cesar Jauregui, the Attorney General of Chihuahua State, stated that the deceased likely came from at least six funeral homes in the area. In many cases, families had unknowingly received fake ashes, believing their loved ones had been cremated.
“These individuals repeatedly deceived funeral homes, accepting bodies for cremation but never performing the procedures,” Jauregui said during a press conference.
Though the owner reportedly held up to three operating licenses at some point, it remains unclear whether the business was legally compliant at the time of the discovery.
Chihuahua’s governor condemned the act, describing the operators as “irresponsible and unscrupulous,” and accused them of abusing official permits and betraying the trust of grieving families.
The shocking find has reignited concerns among families of missing persons in Juárez—a city plagued by cartel-related violence, disappearances, and kidnappings. Many fear the recovered bodies could include victims of such crimes, especially among migrants awaiting entry into the U.S.
Yadira Cortez, a representative of the Ciudad Juárez Women’s Roundtable Network, said, “Families are deeply worried. They’re asking who the deceased are and whether their missing loved ones are among them. Some mothers have already come forward insisting their daughters are not there.”
Authorities have now launched a process for families to identify potential victims. Relatives are urged to come forward with relevant documents, clothing descriptions, and information about the funeral homes they used.
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