Judge Frees Owner of Crematorium with 386 Unprocessed Bodies

Authorities in Mexico plan to appeal the decision to release the crematorium operator.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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A federal judge in Mexico has ordered the release of the owner of a crematorium where authorities discovered 386 unprocessed bodies that had been kept for years. The decision has prompted outrage, and officials in Chihuahua, Mexico say they will appeal the ruling.

Why it matters

This case has raised serious concerns about the proper handling of deceased individuals and the oversight of crematoriums in Mexico. The discovery of hundreds of unprocessed bodies highlights potential issues with regulations, record-keeping, and the treatment of the dead.

The details

Authorities in Chihuahua, Mexico raided the crematorium and found 386 bodies that had not been processed, some of which had been stored for years. The owner of the crematorium was arrested, but a federal judge has now ordered his release, prompting outrage from local officials who say they will appeal the decision.

  • The raid on the crematorium occurred in early 2026.
  • The federal judge ordered the release of the crematorium owner in February 2026.

The players

Chihuahua, Mexico

The state in Mexico where the crematorium was located and where authorities are planning to appeal the judge's decision.

Federal Judge

The judge who ordered the release of the crematorium owner despite the discovery of 386 unprocessed bodies at the facility.

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What’s next

Chihuahua officials plan to appeal the federal judge's decision to release the crematorium owner.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for stronger regulations and enforcement around the proper handling of deceased individuals by crematoriums and funeral homes in Mexico to prevent such disturbing discoveries in the future.