Family fears missing woman among burnt bodies in Mexico

A family in Mexico fears that their missing loved one is among those found dead at an abandoned ranch linked to a brutal crime cartel. Merari Noemi Garcia Mejia, 19, disappeared on May 20, 2024, after being lured by a false job offer. Her sister, Rubi, is deeply worried and has been searching for her for nearly a year. The ranch, known as Rancho Izaguirre, is located in Jalisco and was discovered to contain several underground cremation ovens, along with human remains and personal items. A volunteer search group, Guerreros Buscadores de Jalisco, made the grim discovery in early March. The location has been described as an "extermination camp" by locals and media, drawing comparisons to historical horrors. Merari had received a WhatsApp message about a job opportunity that promised a high salary and other perks. Rubi had concerns about the job's legitimacy and warned her sister that such offers were unrealistic. Despite finding a job locally, Merari went missing after she left to visit her son. The family identified some of Merari’s belongings among the items found at the ranch, including a pair of white Nike sneakers and a distinctive Bible given to her by their mother. Rubi remains hopeful and has not declared her sister dead, pending official confirmation from authorities. The Jalisco prosecutor's office is conducting an investigation, but the identification of remains is uncertain due to damage from high temperatures. Rubi reported that the family has been informed they may have to wait three months for updates on the investigation. They continue to search for Merari, holding onto the hope that she is still alive.