Bacalar, Quintana Roo — The body of Juan Sepúlveda Palacios, a former council member for the Morena party in Bacalar, was found dead with signs of torture on Monday, three days after he was reported missing.
The body was discovered in front of a cattle ranch on the Miguel Alemán–Nuevo Canáan highway, approximately 94 kilometers from the municipal seat.
According to reports, Sepúlveda Palacios was last seen on Friday near the community of Miguel Alemán, where he worked in agricultural activities. His family did not file a formal missing person report with the State Prosecutor’s Office.
On Monday around 10 a.m., people called 911 to report finding a body wearing blue jeans, a black shirt, and black shoes. The victim had his eyes blindfolded, hands tied, and showed signs of torture.
Authorities confirmed the identity as the former Morena council member, whose main line of investigation points toward revenge. The Forensic Medical Service is working on the case.
Police have maintained close surveillance in Bacalar communities due to the presence of criminal groups that have carried out illegal detentions and executions in recent years.
Violence in the area intensified after a June 13, 2024, confrontation in the El Gallito ejido that left one person dead, 17 people detained, five vehicles burned, and 10 houses shot up. A week later, another attack occurred in the same community using vehicles disguised with National Guard and State Prosecutor’s Office logos, though only property damage was reported.
The attacks were attributed to a violent group with national presence. Since then, authorities established a military operations base in a strategic area, despite initial community opposition that included road blockades.
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