An American couple who vanished in Mexico City may be among at least four bodies discovered in two clandestine graves.
Zafar Padamsee Mawani, 56, and Guillermo Jafett Hidalgo Ortiz, 57, disappeared from Mexico City’s Isidro Fabela neighbourhood on 20 May.
The pair had moved to Mexico in October after spending decades in the Chicago area, intending to help Zafar’s mother and deal with family matters.
READ MORE: Youth player, 14, dies after powerful shot to the chest during football game
The grim discovery was made on Wednesday (17 Jun) afternoon during a search operation by security personnel.
Investigators uncovered two clandestine graves behind a cluster of cabins in the Valle del Silencio area of Ocoyoacac.
According to local reports, one grave contained the remains believed to be those of the American couple, while the other contained two additional victims – a man and a woman.
Authorities have yet to officially identify the victims, as reported by Need To Know.
Family and friends said Zafar and Guillermo left their home in the Interlomas area of Huixquilucan on 20 May to meet several people regarding the purchase and installation of a mobility lift for Zafar’s mother, who has Alzheimer’s disease.
Before disappearing, they shared their live location with a friend. Minutes later, both of their mobile phones were switched off.
Relatives later detected activity on the couple’s bank accounts, fuelling fears that they had been abducted.
Missing persons notices were subsequently issued, and the US Embassy was asked to assist with the investigation.
Guillermo held dual Mexican and American citizenship, while Zafar was an American citizen of Kenyan descent. Friends said both men had a passion for fashion.
Local media reports claim at least three people have been arrested in connection with the couple’s disappearance and later told investigators where the bodies had been buried.
Authorities have not officially confirmed the arrests or the reports.
READ MORE: Mother allegedly stabs daughter, 28, to death with butcher’s knife after cryptic voice message
