Weeks after a Chicago couple mysteriously disappeared in Mexico City, investigators made a tragic discovery that brought their families’ desperate search to a heartbreaking end. Authorities confirmed that two of the four bodies recovered from a mass grave belonged to Guillermo Ortiz and his longtime partner, Zafar Mawani.
Just weeks before their disappearance, Ortiz had shared a joyful tribute to their relationship on Instagram to celebrate five years together.
“Five years together, and we’ve become more than just a couple—we’re an adventure. A little luxury, a little chaos, and plenty of moments that make people jealous of how good we look together,” he wrote alongside a collection of photos. He ended the post by wishing Mawani a happy anniversary and expressing excitement for the next chapter of their lives in Mexico.
The couple, both 56 years old, had moved from Chicago to Mexico City in October 2025. Ortiz often spoke positively about their new life, describing it as one filled with close friendships, beautiful surroundings, and the vibrant energy of their adopted home.
Couple disappeared while helping family
On May 20, Mawani and Ortiz left their residence in Mexico City for what should have been a routine errand. According to NBC Chicago, they were traveling to purchase a stairlift for Mawani’s elderly mother, who is living with Alzheimer’s disease.
Investigators said the equipment had been advertised by private sellers, who allegedly asked the couple to meet them at Mawani’s mother’s home, where the stairlift was supposedly being installed.
Before all communication suddenly stopped, the couple reportedly shared their live location with a close friend, giving investigators one of the last known clues about their movements.
Friends never gave up hope
As days turned into weeks without answers, friends and family continued searching while holding onto hope that the couple would be found alive.
On June 4, close friend Namiko de Delgado posted an emotional message on Facebook, remembering the kindness and generosity that defined both men.
She described them as people who touched countless lives through their compassion, warmth, and genuine love for others.
According to Delgado, those who knew Mawani and Ortiz understood that they simply wanted to enjoy life, cherish each day, and build a peaceful future surrounded by the people and things they loved most.
Although the uncertainty had become increasingly painful, she wrote that everyone continued hoping for good news and prayed they would return safely.
She ended her message with a heartfelt reminder that they remained in everyone’s thoughts, writing that the search would continue because the couple had left an unforgettable mark on so many lives.
Bodies discovered in mass grave
The search took a devastating turn on June 17.
Authorities searching a wooded area in La Marquesa, located in the municipality of Ocoyoacac on the outskirts of Mexico City, uncovered a mass grave containing four bodies, according to Infobae.
Investigators also recovered a human limb nearby as forensic teams began the difficult process of identifying the victims.
After several days of DNA analysis and forensic examinations, Mawani’s family confirmed on June 24 that he and Ortiz were among those found at the site.
Community mourns heartbreaking loss
Following the confirmation, a family friend updated a GoFundMe campaign established to create a memorial bench and commemorative plaque honoring the couple.
The memorial is intended to provide a peaceful place where friends and loved ones can gather to remember their lives and celebrate the impact they had on others.
The organizer described Mawani and Ortiz as two extraordinary people whose kindness made everyone around them feel welcome.
“To know them was to love them,” the tribute read. “They loved deeply, welcomed everyone like family, and had a remarkable ability to make people feel valued. Their kindness brought people together, and their loss has left an enormous emptiness in countless lives.”
The message also expressed sorrow over the violent circumstances surrounding their deaths, saying they were taken far too soon and deserved a much different fate.
Investigation leads to multiple arrests
Authorities believe the other two victims discovered in the grave were a married couple, ages 56 and 38. Their identities have not yet been publicly released as investigators continue working to notify relatives and complete the identification process.
The investigation has resulted in several arrests.
According to Infobae, five suspects have been taken into custody, including former police officer Yesenia V. Prosecutors allege she headed a criminal group involved in kidnappings and robberies.
The remaining four suspects—including two Venezuelan nationals—were reportedly arrested while in possession of ammunition, illegal narcotics, and a black suitcase that investigators believe may be connected to the case.
Officials continue to conduct DNA testing and forensic examinations to formally identify all of the victims and determine the full circumstances surrounding the killings. As the investigation moves forward, authorities hope the evidence gathered will provide answers for the victims’ families and help ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
