Suspects of the Serial Murders
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1) The Police

In 2003 and 2004, a number of men connected to power struggles within the drug cartels are killed or abducted. In January 2004, at least 11 bodies are found in a house in Juarez, and state judicial police were charged with being directly involved with the abductions and murders. The documentary Señorita Extraviada—a film by Lourdes Portillo about the Juarez murders—places blame directly on the police. Most experts, though, say the police are protecting the killers and being paid bribes, says Esther Chavez, director of Casa Amiga, a rape crisis center in Juarez.

2) Organ Harvesters/Satan Worshipers

Both groups are said to be responsible, but both possibilities are unrealistic, according to the El Paso Times. Two men have been arrested and charged with sending organs back to the United States, but they have since been released.

The condition of some of the bodies have led many to believe “dark magic” is at work, but most think the rumors are pure paranoia, according to the Times.

3) The Wealthy

The El Paso Times reported that Mexican law enforcement officials say rich and powerful men are behind the killings. The officials doubt the men will be brought to justice because they have so much power.

5) The Drug Cartels

The Carrillo Fuentes cartel, which is the most powerful drug cartel in Juarez, is believed to be behind the killings, reported the El Paso Times. The cartel is known for killing anyone who discovers too much about its doings or who is involved in a power struggle within the cartel.

6) Sexual Predators from the United States

“People who are experienced at crossing the border and have flexibility can go back and forth” from the United States to Mexico, says Irasema Coronado, the codirector of the  Coalition on Violence Against Women and Families on the Border. “They could commit heinous crimes and get away with it just by crossing the border.”

Compiled by Lindsay Gebhart

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