Xibabá Crematorium Case Advances Slowly in Chetumal Amid Legal Hurdles

Chetumal, Quintana Roo — The legal case against the Xibabá crematorium is progressing slowly due to the absence of specialized environmental and animal cruelty prosecutors in southern Quintana Roo, complicating efforts to bring more serious charges, according to activists.

Rafael Rivero Aburto, president of the civil association Toda Vida es Importante, reported that 328 people have filed complaints about alleged irregularities in pet funeral services. However, each case has distinct characteristics, preventing a collective complaint and requiring individual processing of each file.

“Each case is peculiar. Some involve investigation of professional usurpation, others fraud, and others possible irregularities in euthanasia application. That’s why we couldn’t file a collective complaint,” Rivero Aburto said.

He indicated that approximately 30 cases have reached judicial proceedings, with at least 10 already in hearings. Two people have been formally charged with various crimes in these processes. One received mandatory pretrial detention, while another remains under house arrest due to maternity-related reasons.

Rivero Aburto explained that the process remains in its initial stages and could extend for several years, with intermediate phases and trials still pending. He emphasized that supporting victims is crucial to strengthening case files with evidence, witnesses, and documentation.

The activist highlighted that one major obstacle is the lack of a specialized environmental and animal cruelty unit within the State Prosecutor’s Office in southern Quintana Roo, complicating the integration of potential animal cruelty charges. Many investigations focus instead on fraud or professional usurpation, potentially overlooking aggravating factors.

“In the southern zone, we don’t have a specialized unit for environmental and animal cruelty issues. The Xibabá case sets a national precedent, and many gaps remain that could affect us before a judge,” he warned.

Rivero Aburto noted that initial investigations revealed irregularities in identification and delivery of remains, as well as in securing the area where evidence was found. These omissions could influence the judicial process.

He called on victims to continue submitting evidence and testimonies to prevent cases from weakening in court, with the goal of securing firm sentences and justice for affected individuals.