As many as eight mutilated bodies were found in seven unmarked graves in the central state of Zacatecas, Mexican authorities said today.
The grim discovery was made by police as they carried out an intelligence operation in the area, and officials believe the killings may be the work of drug cartels.
"While authorities were conducting their search, they found bodies that had been mutilated, decapitated and dismembered," state Attorney General Leticia Soto Acosta said.
Soto Acosta said there were at least six bodies and the number could rise to eight, pending further forensic examinations. Three male victims were confirmed, including two who were reported missing July 15 and were identified by tattoos and descriptions from family members.
Initial forensic analysis suggested that some of the victims may have been buried about 10 to 15 days ago, Soto Acosta said, while the advanced decomposition of another body indicated it may have been there as long as nine months. Authorities also found documents including a birth certificate at the scene.
Zacatecas was long dominated by the violent Zetas drug cartel.
