After more than a week since search groups found clandestine graves and crematoriums at the Izaguirre ranch in the La Estanzuela community, the mayor of Teuchitlán has expressed his willingness to cooperate in clarifying the case. José Asunción Murguía Santiago, belonging to the Citizens' Movement (MC), serves as the mayor of Teuchitlán, a locality that has been pointed out as the new 'center of terror' following the recent discoveries at the Izaguirre ranch.
In an interview given to Canal 13 Guadalajara on March 12, Murguía explained that the Jalisco Prosecutor's Office is the entity responsible for conducting the relevant investigations into the case. When asked if he had prior knowledge of what was happening at the ranch, the mayor mentioned that the land is located on the outskirts of the town and that there are burial grounds in the area. 'It is incredible what is happening in Teuchitlán.'
The Izaguirre ranch, located in the La Estanzuela community in Teuchitlán, was being used as a training camp by criminal groups. After anonymous reports alerted searchers to the presence of clandestine graves at the site, the Attorney General's Office took up the case for investigation. Murguía expressed confidence that the work done by the prosecutor and the forensic team will yield results.
Amid the statements from Attorney General Alejandro Gertz Manero, who expressed disbelief at the ignorance of local and state authorities about what had happened, the mayor of Teuchitlán called for joint collaboration to clarify the case as quickly as possible. He assured he was willing to provide all the information he has, pointing out that the responsibility of the case falls on the State and the Federation.
The key point of the mayor's concern lies in the negative impact that this violent event could have on the local economy, especially in the tourism sector, as the archaeological zone of Guachimontones and a spa are located in Teuchitlán. Murguía also expressed concern over allegations of possible complicities between the municipal police and criminal groups, urging that the case be investigated thoroughly and impartially from high government spheres.
According to information provided by the group Guerreros Buscadores de Jalisco, this group discovered clandestine cremation ovens, clothing, footwear, and skeletal remains at the Izaguirre ranch during a search mission on March 5. This property had previously been investigated by authorities on September 20, 2024, when arrests were made at the site as part of a forced recruitment process of young people.
Subsequently, the recruited young people were sent to conflict zones such as Zacatecas or Michoacán after receiving criminal training in Teuchitlán. It has been noted that the recruits were lured with deceptions and false job offers before being kidnapped and taken to the site. According to testimonies, these illicit activities are presumed to be linked to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).
