Judge Frees Owner of Crematorium with 386 Stored Bodies

Authorities in Mexico vow to appeal the decision, calling it an "affront" to grieving families.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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A federal judge in Mexico has ordered the release of Jose Luis Arellano Cuaron, the owner of a crematorium where hundreds of embalmed bodies were found stored for years. Authorities say they will appeal the decision, arguing that Arellano's actions were criminal, not just civil offenses, and that he deceived families by delivering fake ashes. Relatives and advocates expressed dismay at the verdict, calling it an "affront" to the over 500 families seeking justice.

Why it matters

This case highlights issues around proper handling of human remains, consumer protections for grieving families, and the challenges of prosecuting complex crimes related to funeral services. The large-scale storage of bodies raises public health and ethical concerns, while the delivery of fake ashes to families is a severe violation of trust.

The details

In June 2025, police in Juarez, Mexico discovered 386 embalmed bodies stored in offices and a warehouse belonging to the Plenitud crematorium, owned by Jose Luis Arellano Cuaron. Authorities say some of the "ashes" delivered to families were actually crushed rock and animal bone fragments, not the remains of their loved ones. Arellano was facing up to 200 years in prison for various crimes related to the body storage and fake ashes, but a federal judge has now ordered his release, ruling that his actions were civil, not criminal offenses.

  • In June 2025, police discovered the 386 bodies stored at the Plenitud crematorium.
  • On February 16, 2026, the federal judge ordered the release of crematorium owner Jose Luis Arellano Cuaron.

The players

Jose Luis Arellano Cuaron

The owner of the Plenitud crematorium in Juarez, Mexico, where hundreds of bodies were found stored for years.

Cesar Jauregui

The Attorney General of Chihuahua, Mexico, who says the state will appeal the judge's decision to free Arellano.

Dora Elena Delgado

The head of the Justice for our Deceased Ones collective, who called the judge's decision an "affront" and "aberration" to grieving families.

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What they’re saying

“This resolution ignores everything we found in that building. It's impossible this judge can say there was no hiding, no withholding of bodies when ashes were delivered to people.”

— Cesar Jauregui, Attorney General of Chihuahua, Mexico

“It's evident wrongdoing. It was no mistake. It's saying, 'I know I'm not giving you the ashes of the person you are expecting. I will trick you, so I don't have to do my job and just keep those bodies piled up.'”

— Cesar Jauregui, Attorney General of Chihuahua, Mexico

“This is an affront, an aberration to the more than 500 families who were here demanding justice, which has been denied.”

— Dora Elena Delgado, Head of the Justice for our Deceased Ones collective

What’s next

The Chihuahua Attorney General's Office says it will push for criminal charges against Jose Luis Arellano Cuaron to be restored or refiled, appealing the judge's decision to release him.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for stronger regulation and oversight of the funeral services industry to protect vulnerable families from unethical practices. It also underscores the challenges of prosecuting complex crimes related to the handling of human remains, and the importance of delivering justice for grieving loved ones.