In June 2025, the discovery of human remains belonging to at least 60 individuals in Jojutla, Morelos, has reignited national attention on Mexico’s ongoing crisis of enforced disappearances. The remains were unearthed during the fourth phase of exhumation efforts at the Pedro Amaro municipal cemetery, led by the collective “Disappeared Tetelcingo and Jojutla” in coordination with state authorities.
Among the remains were those of at least 12 women and 12 minors, though activists warn that the actual number may be higher due to classification errors by the Morelos State Prosecutor’s Office. Some remains were misidentified or labeled inconsistently, complicating efforts to determine the true scale of the discovery.
The exhumation was suspended a day early due to structural risks posed by a deteriorating perimeter wall, weakened by recent rains. The wall’s potential collapse endangered the safety of forensic teams and families participating in the search.
Activists have criticized the lack of independent experts and the absence of a comprehensive human identification plan. They also reported irregularities in the handling and cataloging of remains, including instances where entire bodies were labeled as mere fragments.
This marks the fifth intervention at the Jojutla site, which has become emblematic of Mexico’s struggle to address mass graves and provide justice for the families of the disappeared. The Morelos State Attorney General’s Office has yet to release official figures or a timeline for resuming the exhumations.
The discovery underscores the urgent need for improved forensic protocols, greater transparency, and sustained support for search collectives. For many families, these graves are not just crime scenes—they are the last hope of finding a loved one.
Source: OEM
