Family and supporters of a missing woman believed to be the first victim of a Mexico City serial killer protested at the site where bones and possessions of multiple women were discovered. The bones, cell phones, and ID cards found at the apartment building served as mementos of the killer’s 12-year trail of victims. The parents of the missing woman, Amairany Roblero, were left in the dark for years until last week when the investigation finally made progress. The pattern of neglect from prosecutors in missing persons cases is a common issue in Mexico, leaving families to take matters into their own hands.
The suspect, identified only as Miguel according to Mexican law, was arrested after attempting to kill his seventh victim in a neighbor’s apartment. He sexually abused and strangled a 17-year-old girl before attacking her mother who survived the ordeal. Mexico City prosecutors downplayed the case, attributing the killer’s actions to a lack of violent behavior. However, protesters argued that authorities have the means to search for missing people and should prioritize helping families in need instead of focusing on political campaigns.
Investigators found blood stains, bones, a saw, cellphones, missing women’s ID cards, and other biological material in the suspect’s rented rooms. They also discovered notebooks that may contain narratives of the crimes committed against the victims. Despite this evidence, Amairany’s parents have not been shown any personal belongings or photos, causing further distress. Questions were raised by a lawyer representing another victim’s family as to why authorities didn’t investigate disappearances earlier, only acting when evidence connected to the cases surfaced at the suspect’s apartment.
The lack of proper funding, training, and professionalism within Mexico City’s prosecutors’ office has resulted in serial killers operating freely until the number of victims becomes too significant to ignore. Previous instances, such as the arrest of a serial killer in 2021 after 19 bodies were found at his house, or the capture of a murderer in 2018 pushing a dismembered body in a baby carriage, highlight the failure to stop perpetrators before multiple victims are harmed. Without significant changes to the system, families continue to suffer, and serial killers evade capture for extended periods.
The demonstration at the apartment building where the bones and possessions were found in Mexico City served as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice in cases of missing women. The emotional impact on families and the community was evident as protesters demanded accountability from authorities. The tragic circumstances surrounding Amairany Roblero’s disappearance shed light on the systemic failures of the justice system in Mexico to address cases of missing persons promptly and effectively. The need for improved resources and support for families seeking closure in such cases is evident, as the search for justice continues amidst the discovery of a potential serial killer in the heart of Mexico City.
