Veracruz authorities identify woman found dead near Cuitláhuac highway

Authorities have identified Zarahi Chávez Morales, a 42-year-old woman from Cuitláhuac, Veracruz, whose remains were discovered along the Cuitláhuac-La Tinaja federal highway. Morales had been reported missing since August 3, after she was last seen purchasing food and subsequently boarding a taxi reportedly heading toward the state of Puebla.

On August 10, law enforcement and the National Guard discovered human remains inside black plastic bags in an advanced state of decomposition between kilometers 36 and 37 of the Córdoba-Veracruz highway. Identification was confirmed through DNA testing and the recognition of a specific tattoo on her upper left chest reading ‘Benito’.

Following the formal identification by the Forensic Medical Service (Semefo), her family held a wake and proceeded with burial at the Santa Rosa Cemetery. While the Alba Protocol was activated during the search, the Veracruz State Attorney General's Office has not yet released specific details regarding the investigation or potential suspects.