Bodies found in Mexico mass graves rises to 145

[News_Editor]

Bodies found in Mexico mass graves rises to 145

2011-04-15 21:20:00 GMT+7 (ICT)

MATAMOROS, MEXICO (BNO NEWS) -- With ongoing investigations, 23 more bodies were found in the mass graves located in Mexico's northern state of Tamaulipas, bringing the total number to 145 bodies, officials said Friday.

In addition, initial investigations indicate that the killings occurred between one and two months ago, as the state's Attorney General's Office said autopsies have revealed that the bodies were tied up and violently beaten.

The recently discovered bodies were transported to state Medical Forensic Services for further analysis.

Last week, local authorities said they found the graves while investigating reports that passengers from a bus were kidnapped in late March. It is believed that they were people who refused to enlist within the ranks of 'Los Zetas' drug cartel, but forensic investigators have not confirmed if the bodies are the missing passengers or immigrants.

On Thursday, Mexico's Attorney General Marisela Morales announced that 16 San Fernando police officers were detained on Wednesday for their involvement in the mass graves, as they are being accused of cooperating and protecting members of criminal group 'Los Zetas,' as well as covering up the perpetrators of the mass murders.

Morales also announced a reward of up to 15 million Mexican pesos ($1.28 million) for any information that leads to the arrest of four Zetas leaders.

Salvador Alfonso Martínez Escobedo, aka "La Ardilla," Omar Martín Estrada Luna, also known as "El kilo," Roman Ricardo Palomo Rincones or "El Coyote, and Sarai Fabiola Diaz Arroyo, also known as "Muñeca," are alleged leaders of the Zetas drug cartel and suspected of directing the mass murders.

Last August, members of Los Zetas cartel killed 72 Central and South American immigrants in in the same municipality.

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