The body of a missing priest, Reverend Ernesto Baltazar Hernández Vilchis, aged 40, has been discovered wrapped in plastic and secured to a chair in a canal near Felipe Ángeles International Airport in Tultepec, just north of Mexico City. Vilchis disappeared on October 27, prompting search efforts that led to the recovery of his remains in an advanced state of decay. Forensic analysis confirmed the identity of the deceased clergyman.
According to reports from the Mexican network Telediario, the body was found encased in black bags and fastened to an armchair, eventually becoming lodged in a small mound of earth within the canal. Rev. Vilchis had been recently stationed in the Tultepec area and was last seen in Ampliación La Piedad before his disappearance, which prompted the Diocese to alert authorities.
Authorities are conducting an investigation into Vilchis’ death and are committed to apprehending those responsible. Although the culprits remain unidentified, it is noted that priests have been targeted by criminal organizations in Mexico previously. Notably, the Catholic Multimedia Centre reported ten priest killings in Mexico between 2019 and 2024, highlighting ongoing violence against public figures in the region.
In a separate incident, Mayor Carlos Manzo of Uruapan was tragically killed by armed assailants while celebrating the Day of the Dead with the public. Known for his strong stance against cartels, Mayor Manzo had advocated for forceful measures to combat criminal networks in the avocado-growing area. President Sheinbaum condemned the assassination, expressing deep condolences to Manzo’s family and the people of Uruapan for their loss.
For swift access to valuable news content, consider selecting Daily Mirror as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google News.
