More Than 10 Clandestine Graves Discovered in Hermosillo; Four Bodies Identified

Web Editor

July 14, 2025

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Background on the Situation

In Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, the State Attorney General’s Office (FGJES) confirmed the discovery of clothing and bone remains, which have been transported to criminalistics laboratories for analysis.

Identified Victims

Out of the four male bodies found last Friday in a suspected criminal campsite on a rural dirt road north of Hermosillo, two have been identified: Víctor Florencio Cabanillas and Erick Arturo Fernández Zárate. Both were reported missing in Guaymas and Empalme on January 28th, according to Ceci Patricia Flores Armenta, the founder of Madres Buscadoras de Sonora and Mexico.

Discovery Details

Ceci Flores, an activist known for her work with the Madres Buscadoras organization, reported finding a campsite where more than 200 items of clothing were discovered. These included pants, jackets, backpacks, underwear, shoes, and other personal belongings. She also mentioned finding around 40 spent cartridges, which were confiscated by local authorities.

Location and Progression

The search began following an anonymous tip near the 12 Norte street in the Miguel Alemán precinct, close to El Crucero Pantheon. The investigation took place on rough terrain, with at least 10 identified graves not explored on the same day due to a lack of proper tools. The FGJES confirmed the discovery of clothing and bone remains, which were sent to their criminalistics laboratories for hematological tracking and bloodstain analysis.

Impact and Context

Ceci Flores, a prominent figure in the search for missing persons in Sonora and Mexico, has been instrumental in bringing attention to this case. Her organization, Madres Buscadoras de Sonora y de México, focuses on finding and identifying individuals who have gone missing due to criminal activity. Flores’s dedication has led to the identification of two victims, providing some closure for their families while also highlighting the ongoing struggle against organized crime in the region.

Key Questions and Answers

  • Who is Ceci Flores? Ceci Flores is an activist and founder of Madres Buscadoras de Sonora y de México, an organization dedicated to finding and identifying missing persons in Sonora, Mexico.
  • What was discovered in Hermosillo? More than 10 clandestine graves were found, along with clothing and bone remains in a suspected criminal campsite.
  • How many bodies have been identified? Two of the four bodies found have been identified as Víctor Florencio Cabanillas and Erick Arturo Fernández Zárate.
  • What items were found at the campsite? Over 200 pieces of clothing, including pants, jackets, backpacks, underwear, and shoes, were discovered along with around 40 spent cartridges.
  • What is the current status of the investigation? The FGJES has sent clothing and bone remains to criminalistics laboratories for analysis, including hematological tracking and bloodstain determination.