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 the Plenitud crematorium where police discovered 386 embalmed bodies stored in offices and a warehouse for years. Authorities say they will appeal the decision, arguing that Arellano improperly handled and concealed the bodies, delivering fake ashes to grieving families.

Why it matters

This case has sparked outrage among the local community and raised serious concerns about the regulation and oversight of the funeral industry, particularly when it comes to the proper handling and disposition of human remains.

The details

In June 2025, police in Juarez, Mexico discovered 386 embalmed bodies stored in offices and a warehouse belonging to the Plenitud crematorium, which was owned by Jose Luis Arellano Cuaron. Authorities accused Arellano of improperly handling the bodies and delivering fake ashes to grieving families. However, a federal judge has now ordered Arellano's release, ruling that his actions were an administrative matter, not a criminal offense.

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

The players

Jose Luis Arellano Cuaron

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

Cesar Jauregui

The Chihuahua Attorney General who vowed to appeal the judge's decision to release Arellano.

Dora Elena Delgado

The head of the Justice for our Deceased Ones collective, who expressed dismay at the judge's decision.

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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, Chihuahua Attorney General (Border Report)

“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, Chihuahua Attorney General (Border Report)

“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 (Border Report)

What’s next

The Chihuahua Attorney General's Office says it will push for criminal charges against Arellano to be restored or refiled.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for stronger regulation and oversight of the funeral industry to ensure the proper and ethical handling of human remains, and to provide justice and closure for grieving families.