Tragic Discovery: Nearly a Dozen Missing Students Found Dismembered at Popular Mexican Tourist Destination

On March 2, 2025, the dismembered bodies of nine individuals were discovered on the side of a highway in Puebla, Mexico. The bodies were found inside and near an abandoned car covered by a blood-stained tarp, raising concerns following the recent disappearance of a group of students from Tlaxcala.

The discovery of the bodies has drawn attention to the ongoing issue of disappearances in Mexico, particularly among young people. The victims are believed to be students who went missing after traveling to the beaches of Oaxaca. Among the deceased, five men and four women were found, with some showing signs of torture and bullet wounds.

Key details include:

• The bodies were located approximately 250 miles from the coast.
• ID cards belonging to two of the missing students were found at the scene.
• Families reported the students missing on February 27, shortly after they lost contact.

Brenda Mariel, one of the students, was later found alive under undisclosed circumstances, while her friend remains missing. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities collaborating across states to identify the perpetrators. Puebla’s Secretary of Security noted that indications suggest some bodies may belong to individuals from Tlaxcala, but official identification has not yet been confirmed.

This tragic event highlights the alarming trend of disappearances in Mexico, where over 100,000 individuals are reported missing. The UN has expressed concerns regarding the impunity surrounding these cases, emphasizing the need for increased safety measures and accountability within the justice system.