Yucatán Cannibal Escape Rumor Debunked

Mérida, Yucatán — On Friday, May 2, 2025, social media circulated unverified claims that Izael Dzib Campos, known as “El Caníbal II” or “The Cannibal of the Leandro Valle Neighborhood,” had escaped from prison. The reports, initially published by a digital outlet, alleged that the convicted murderer had fled the facility where he was serving a 40-year sentence for a brutal homicide in Mérida.

However, hours later, journalist Rodrigo Vázquez Parada debunked the rumor in a Facebook post, stating unequivocally: “IT IS FALSE THAT THE C4NN1B4L OF LEANDRO VALLE ESCAPED in #Yucatán,” confirming that Dzib Campos remains incarcerated.

A Grisly Crime from 2020

The case dates back to the night of June 28 and early morning of June 29, 2020, when Dzib Campos murdered Roberto de Jesús at a property on Calle 37 between 4 and 6 in the Leandro Valle neighborhood. After stabbing his victim to death, Dzib Campos dismembered and skinned the body, hiding the remains in a refrigerator, a sewer, and an empty lot. Unverified reports suggested he offered the flesh to neighbors, though this was never officially substantiated.

Legal Proceedings and Sentencing

On September 6, 2022, magistrates Graciela Torres Garma, Mario Correa Ríos, and Adolfo González Martínez upheld Dzib Campos’ 40-year sentence, effective from July 15, 2020, with a projected release date of July 15, 2060. The case was assigned to the Third Sentencing Enforcement Court, overseen by Judge Gener Echeverría Chan.

Prison benefits were denied due to the severity of the crime and Dzib Campos’ failure to meet legal requirements. Authorities confirmed the escape rumors were baseless.