60 Unclaimed Bodies in Quintana Roo Await Families

QUINTANA ROO, Mexico — Quintana Roo Attorney General Raciel López Salazar has reported that 60 bodies remain unclaimed in the state’s forensic cemetery, despite having been formally identified. Out of a total of 191 bodies identified through fingerprint analysis and cross-referencing with the National Electoral Institute (INE) database, 131 have been retrieved by their families.

A Complex Process of Reclamation

López Salazar acknowledged the complexity of the reclamation process, stating that in many instances, families are aware a body is that of their relative but still choose not to come forward.

“It is very complicated because many times the family itself does not come, even though they know it is their relative. We are in that process,” he stated.

The Attorney General’s office is coordinating with authorities in other southeastern states, including Tabasco, Chiapas, Campeche, and Yucatán, to share information on the unclaimed bodies in an effort to facilitate identification and reclamation.

Digital Tools Aid International Identification

López Salazar highlighted the role of social media and digital tools in the identification process, which have enabled relatives living abroad to recognize victims.

“We have even received calls from abroad. Recently, a person from Italy recognized their relative thanks to the dissemination by the Attorney General’s Office, and the family was able to come to claim the body,” he added.

He expressed gratitude for the support of collectives and authorities in publicizing these programs, which aim to provide certainty to families and ensure the deceased receive a dignified burial.

The 60 bodies remain in the custody of the Quintana Roo forensic cemetery, each with a complete case file, awaiting reclamation by their next of kin.