An American couple who vanished in Mexico City may be among at least four bodies discovered in two clandestine graves – the pair had moved to Mexico in October from Chicago
Guillermo Jafett Hidalgo Ortiz and Zafar Padamsee Mawani(Image: Jam Press)
An American couple who disappeared in Mexico City may be amongst at least four bodies found in two secret burial sites. Zafar Padamsee Mawani, 56, and Guillermo Jafett Hidalgo Ortiz, 57, went missing from Mexico City’s Isidro Fabela neighbourhood on 20 May.
The duo had relocated to Mexico in October following decades living in the Chicago area, planning to assist Zafar’s mother and handle family affairs. The horrific find was made on Wednesday (June 17) afternoon during a search operation conducted by security forces.
Investigators discovered two hidden graves behind a group of cabins in the Valle del Silencio area of Ocoyoacac. According to local reports, one grave held the remains thought to be those of the American couple, while the other contained two further victims – a man and a woman.
Officials have not yet formally identified the victims, as reported by NeedToKnow.
Relatives and friends revealed Zafar and Guillermo departed their home in the Interlomas area of Huixquilucan on 20 May to meet various individuals regarding purchasing and fitting a mobility lift for Zafar’s mother, who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease.
Prior to vanishing, they shared their live location with a friend, but minutes afterwards, both their mobile phones were turned off.
Family members later spotted activity on the couple’s bank accounts, heightening concerns they had been kidnapped.
Missing person alerts were then issued, and the US Embassy was requested to help with the investigation. Guillermo possessed both Mexican and American citizenship, while Zafar was an American citizen with Kenyan heritage.
Mates described both men as having a deep love for fashion.
Regional media accounts suggest at least three individuals have been detained regarding the pair’s vanishing and subsequently informed investigators of the burial location.
Officials have yet to formally verify the detentions or these claims.
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