Five bodies found in Atotonilco de Tula grave

Reporting and context

Five bodies were found in a suspected clandestine grave in the Texas community of Atotonilco de Tula, Hidalgo, according to Azteca Noticias. Search Commission teams located the remains near the foot of La Palma hill, between a sewage canal and the boundary with the State of Mexico.

The victims had not been identified. Preliminary findings described four men and one woman, with the bodies found without clothing or identification documents. One set of remains was skeletal, the report said. Forensic studies are needed to establish their identities and the circumstances of their deaths.

Azteca Noticias reported that the initial investigation suggested the excavation was at least four months old. Reporter Leonardo Herrera said recovery of remains and other evidence was continuing, with the Hidalgo state prosecutor's office handling the investigation.

Residents told the broadcaster they had noticed unusual movements at night before the discovery. Paulino Cruz Monrroy described the alarm the find had caused locally. Another resident, Octavio Monrroy, said neighbors did not know whether the victims had been killed there or their bodies brought to the site.

Investigators are working to determine whether any of the victims match missing-person notices issued in Hidalgo or elsewhere in Mexico. The source also relayed residents' speculation about possible identities, while reporting that the remains were still unidentified.

Original report: Azteca Noticias, with reporting by Leonardo Herrera / Azteca Hidalgo.