Tulum’s 44th Homicide Victim Found Dismembered

Tulum, Mexico — Authorities discovered a dismembered human body near the highway connecting Tulum and Felipe Carrillo Puerto, marking the latest incident in a wave of violence plaguing the municipality. The discovery was reported to emergency services at approximately 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 21.

This victim is reportedly the 44th homicide victim in Tulum so far in 2025. The persistent insecurity has reached alarming levels, a factor cited as contributing to a notable decline in tourism occupancy and visitor numbers for the municipality.

Discovery and Investigation

The human remains were located on the curve past the Ka’an Luum cenote on the Tulum–Felipe Carrillo Puerto federal highway. After a report was made to the 911 emergency line, Tulum Municipal Police officers arrived at the scene and cordoned off the area.

Upon a detailed inspection, officers confirmed the presence of a dismembered human body. Initial observations indicated the visible remains included legs without shoes or socks. Preliminary reports suggest the victim was a man who had been tortured, murdered, and dismembered. The remains were subsequently placed inside black plastic bags.

While Municipal Police and National Guard elements secured the site, agents from the Quintana Roo State Attorney General's Office arrived to begin investigative proceedings. Personnel from the Forensic Medical Service later arrived to collect the dismembered remains, which were transported to the morgue for an official autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

Context of Violence

The discovery of this dismembered body in Tulum would constitute the 44th victim of a homicide in the destination in 2025. The municipality has experienced severe violence, including the murder of a former Secretary of Security. The article notes that no improvement in security has been observed following the appointment of his successor.

The municipal government of Diego Castañón Trejo continues to show a lack of results in security matters and has also been unable to attract tourists or guarantee access to beaches.