Jaime Castañeda identified the body of his 43‑year‑ancient brother, geologist José Manuel Castañeda Hernández, on Sunday after viewing photographs presented by officials at the federal attorney general’s office in Mazatlán, Sinaloa.
José Manuel was employed by Vancouver‑based Vizsla Silver Corp. When he and nine coworkers were abducted on Jan. 23 from Concordia, a municipality about 50 km east of Mazatlán.
The three workers whose identities were confirmed – José Manuel and two employees from Zacatecas – were discovered dead late last week near the rural village of El Verde, roughly 15 km north of Concordia. Local media described the site as a mass grave.
“In truth, this has been very painful to be here, in a place where we don’t want to be,” Jaime Castañeda told CBC News. He added, “It’s so hard to see … how they suffer. There’s no justice with what’s happening.”
José Manuel, originally from Guerrero, left behind a wife, a 14‑year‑old son and a 10‑year‑old daughter.
The kidnapping occurred amid a sudden surge in violence linked to an 18‑month civil war between rival factions of the Sinaloa Cartel. One faction, Los Chapitos, remains loyal to the sons of jailed Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, while the opposing La Mayiza faction is aligned with the son of Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada.
Mexico’s Secretary of Security, Omar Harfuch, said a cell connected to Los Chapitos is suspected of carrying out the abduction of Vizsla Silver employees.
Vizsla Silver expressed devastation at the loss of life and pledged to support families while continuing to seek the remaining missing employees.
Jaime Castañeda said he encountered at least seven other families at the Mazatlán office who were also there to identify bodies. Families of the two Zacatecas workers were among those asked to confirm identities, according to Zacatecas state Attorney General Cristian Paul Camacho.
Analyst David Mora of the International Crisis Group, who visited Concordia before the kidnappings, suggested the attack may be a “show of strength” by Los Chapitos, aiming to demonstrate that they remain a force in the region despite recent setbacks.
Since the outbreak of the cartel feud in 2024, the Noroeste news organization reports 2,776 intentional homicides and 3,290 people reported missing in Sinaloa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was José Manuel Castañeda Hernández?
He was a 43‑year‑old geologist from Guerrero, employed by Vizsla Silver Corp., and a husband and father of two children.
When were the Vizsla Silver employees kidnapped?
The ten employees were abducted on Jan. 23 from Concordia, a town east of Mazatlán.
Which cartel faction is suspected of the kidnapping?
Mexico’s Secretary of Security said a cell linked to Los Chapitos is suspected of the kidnapping.
What do you think this tragedy means for the safety of foreign workers in Mexico’s mining sector?
