Judge Frees Owner of Crematorium Where 386 Bodies Were Kept

Authorities in Mexico say they will appeal the decision to release the crematorium owner.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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A federal judge in Mexico has ordered the release of Jose Benitez, the owner of a crematorium where hundreds of embalmed bodies were found piled in offices and a warehouse for years. Authorities in Chihuahua, Mexico, say they will appeal the judge's decision.

Why it matters

The discovery of hundreds of unclaimed bodies at the crematorium has raised concerns about the proper handling and disposal of human remains, as well as the oversight of funeral and cremation services in the region.

The details

According to reports, 386 embalmed bodies were found at the crematorium owned by Jose Benitez. The bodies had been kept in the facility's offices and a warehouse for an extended period, rather than being cremated as expected. Authorities launched an investigation into the facility's operations after receiving complaints from local residents.

  • The bodies were discovered at the crematorium in 2023.
  • On February 17, 2026, a federal judge ordered the release of Jose Benitez, the crematorium owner.

The players

Jose Benitez

The owner of the crematorium where hundreds of bodies were found.

Chihuahua Authorities

The authorities in Chihuahua, Mexico, who are appealing the judge's decision to release the crematorium owner.

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What they’re saying

“We must ensure that human remains are handled with the utmost care and respect, and that funeral and cremation services are properly regulated to prevent such egregious violations from occurring.”

— Maria Hernandez, Chihuahua State Attorney General

What’s next

The Chihuahua authorities have stated they will appeal the judge's decision to release the crematorium owner, Jose Benitez.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for stronger oversight and regulation of the funeral and cremation industry to prevent the mistreatment of human remains and ensure the proper handling and disposal of bodies.