Nearly 400 dead bodies were found stacked in a warehouse at a private crematorium near the U.S.–Mexico border, and two people have been arrested in connection with the shocking discovery. Authorities uncovered the site in Ciudad Juárez, northern Mexico, describing it as “neglected” and saying the bodies were simply dumped on the floor, one on top of another.
Initially, officials counted 383 full bodies along with six sets of partial remains. Investigators are still working through the scene. None of the bodies had been cremated, even though grieving families had been told they would be. Instead, the bodies had been embalmed and left in the warehouse—some for as long as two years, according to authorities.
Out of the remains recovered so far, 218 were men, 149 were women, and 16 are still being identified. Forensic officials reported that many of the bodies had hospital tags with names and Social Security numbers. Some families were even handed what they believed were ashes of their loved ones—but now it appears those ashes were fake.
The crematorium involved was called “Plenitud” and had reportedly been working with several local funeral homes, supposedly handling the cremation of the deceased. Instead, the bodies were stored in horrifying conditions.
Two individuals—José Luis Arellano Cuaron, the owner, and an employee identified as Facundo M.R.—have been arrested. They’re currently in custody awaiting a court hearing scheduled for July 4. They’re facing charges related to the mistreatment and improper handling of human remains, including unauthorized burials and disrespect toward corpses.
The state’s Attorney General said the judge approved keeping both men in jail until their trial to prevent them from fleeing and to ensure they face justice. Officials are also looking into how to compensate the affected families, many of whom are grieving all over again after learning the truth about what happened to their loved ones.
The authorities promised a deep and thorough investigation, along with emotional and legal support for the families. They also vowed to pursue the toughest penalties possible for those responsible.
