A woman and her partner were burned alive by villagers in Mexico after being accused of witchcraft. State prosecutors have launched a murder investigation into the double killing.
Attack in Las Tacitas village
The lynching occurred late at night in the indigenous village of Las Tacitas in Chiapas State on Tuesday, September 22, according to NeedToKnow. Local reports suggest the couple, who were part of the Maya Tseltal community, were forcibly removed from their home and taken to a community hall.
Eyewitnesses allege they were detained for several hours and subjected to physical abuse before being doused in fuel and set alight. Disturbing footage shared online appears to show a crowd watching as one of the victims is consumed by flames.
Victims and allegations
Their bodies were later reportedly left covered beside a path on the outskirts of the village. Initial local reports identified the victims as a man named Nicolás, thought to be around 50, and a woman named Irma. However, their identities have not yet been officially confirmed by prosecutors.
Local reports indicate that Nicolás worked as a traditional healer and allegations of witchcraft arose after individuals who had sought his assistance fell ill. Another version of events suggests the couple were blamed following the death of a community official. Authorities have yet to publicly verify these claims.
Investigation and response
Indigenous District prosecutor Floralma Gómez Santos stated that officials had made contact with the victims' families. She stated that investigators would aim to determine how the attack unfolded and identify those involved.
Horacio Culebro Borrayas, president of the Chiapas Human Rights Commission, declared that no rumour or community belief could ever justify torture or taking a life. The Indigenous Justice Prosecutor's Office, part of the Chiapas State Attorney General's Office, has launched an investigation into the deaths. The state's Human Rights Commission has also opened a complaint and demanded a thorough and impartial investigation.
Following discussions with local representatives, authorities were eventually able to access the community but reportedly failed to recover the victims' remains. Community officials allegedly decided that the bodies would stay there and be buried locally, rather than being handed over for investigation.
Mexican newspaper El Universal has since reported that the female victim was pregnant, although this claim has not been confirmed by state authorities. Between 2020 and March 2024, Mexico recorded 968 lynchings and attempted lynchings. The investigation is ongoing.
