Authorities in Mexico’s Guanajuato state reported the discovery of dismembered remains of 31 people in an abandoned house near Irapuato, according to prosecutors on Monday, August 4, 2025. Initially, officials believed there were 32 bodies, but after an extensive investigation, the count was confirmed as 31. The remains were found in plastic bags buried in a shallow grave about 160 miles north of Mexico City.
The Guanajuato prosecutor’s office revealed that 15 victims have been identified through detailed forensic analysis. The fragmented condition of the remains, uncovered during a search for missing persons, has made identification challenging.
Members of the collective Hasta encontrarte, meaning “Until I find you,” visited the site on Monday. One woman, choosing anonymity for safety, commented, “We hope to find our loved ones.” She highlighted their wish to be present at the discovery of mass graves, having endured years of uncertainty regarding their missing family members.
This incident is indicative of the ongoing violence in the area. In May, 17 bodies were found in another abandoned house in the same city. The region has also recently witnessed mass violence, including a shooting in June that resulted in 11 deaths and about 20 injuries at a neighborhood party in Irapuato.
Guanajuato has become Mexico’s most violent state due to territorial disputes among organized crime groups. Much of this violence stems from conflicts between the Santa Rosa de Lima gang and the Jalisco New Generation cartel, a significant criminal organization in Mexico.
Official data reveals the extent of violence in the state. Guanajuato reported over 3,100 murders in 2024, accounting for 10.5 percent of all homicides in Mexico, making it the deadliest among the country’s 32 states. From January to July this year, more than 1,500 homicides have been recorded, according to the prosecutor’s office.
The state also leads in missing persons cases, with approximately 3,600 disappearances reported out of over 120,000 cases nationwide. The Mexican government’s current count of missing persons is nearing 132,000 individuals across the country.
Despite being a thriving industrial hub and hosting several tourist destinations in central Mexico, Guanajuato continues to grapple with escalating violence. Recent incidents include the shooting of a local official during a basketball game in July and various deadly confrontations throughout the year.
In May, an attack attributed to the Santa Rosa de Lima gang resulted in seven deaths, including children, with banners left at the scene. In February, eight people were shot dead on the street, while in January, security forces engaged with gunmen, resulting in 10 suspects dead and three police officers injured.
This discovery comes less than two months after another mass shooting in Irapuato left 12 people dead. Organized crime groups often use secret graves to dispose of victims, a practice that has become more common with increasing territorial conflicts.
The Trump administration has designated the Jalisco New Generation cartel as a foreign terrorist organization due to its involvement in drug trafficking and violence. The ongoing conflict between this group and local gangs like Santa Rosa de Lima has turned Guanajuato into a conflict zone, affecting residents and visitors alike.
Authorities continue to work on identifying the remaining 16 victims found at the site. The complex forensic efforts required to identify the fragmented remains underscore the severity of the violence in the region and the challenges faced by families searching for missing relatives.
This discovery adds to the growing evidence of systematic violence in Guanajuato, where criminal organizations operate largely unchecked despite government efforts to restore stability. The state’s dual role as both an economic center and a hub of criminal activity presents ongoing challenges for law enforcement and residents.
