Remains of three possible victims found in Tecate

Reporting and context

Searchers found skeletal remains believed to belong to three people in a clandestine grave near Cerro Azul in Tecate on October 26, according to Punto Norte.

Members of Unión y Fuerza por Nuestros Desaparecidos Tecate reported the discovery at about 11:30 a.m., during a search near Rancho Reynoso. The group told the outlet that an anonymous caller had alerted them the previous week to bodies buried at the site.

The search began on October 24 in the rocky, mountainous terrain, using shovels, pickaxes and digging equipment. The Colectivo de Búsqueda de Baja California and staff from the local search commission accompanied the group on both search days. National Guard personnel provided perimeter security.

Punto Norte reported that investigators and forensic specialists from the Baja California state prosecutor's office processed the scene and collected evidence for the investigation. The remains were then authorized for transfer to the forensic medical service, Semefo, for genetic testing to help identify the victims and allow their families to claim them.

The search collective also described an earlier discovery nearby at Rancho Las Creaturas, where Tecate groups had found a clandestine grave containing more than ten bodies. That separate finding does not form part of the estimated three victims in this discovery. The group plans to return in the coming days to continue searching the area.

Original reporting: Punto Norte.