On May 20, gay Chicago couple Guillermo Jaffet Hidalgo Ortiz and Zafar Padamsee Mawani, both American citizens who had moved to Mexico City last October, disappeared. The couple left their home to pay for a chairlift for Mawani’s mother, who has Alzheimer’s and lived with the couple, according to Ortiz’s former roommate of over 10 years, Orlando Barsallo.
Hidalgo Ortiz (57) and Mawani (56) were found dead by Mexican authorities on June 17 along with two other people in a mass grave in a wooded area of La Marquesa in Ocoyoacac outside of Mexico City, according to the Mexican news outlet Infobae. Associated Press (AP) reported that authorities found evidence of violence and the presence of a human limb nearby.
Barsallo told Windy City Times that there are still outstanding questions as to why the couple trusted the alleged contractor chairlift sellers and got into their car. He added that Hidalgo Ortiz shared his location with one of his Chicago-based friends while they were with the sellers; that friend lost all contact with Ortiz shortly thereafter.
After DNA tests were conducted, Mexican authorities confirmed to both families that two of the bodies were their sons. According to Infobae, the other two victims are believed to be another married couple, aged 58 and 38. People Magazine reported that the Mexican publication La Jornada said the other victims were Kenyan nationals.
AP also reported that the U.S. Embassy in Mexico was made aware of the alleged crime but did not share any details of what they knew with them.
Since the discovery of their bodies, seven people have been arrested in connection to the crime, according to Infobae and People Magazine.
Infobae also reported that one of those seven is a former police officer named Yesenia V., who is the alleged kidnapping and robbery gang leader. Two of the other arrested suspects are of Venezuelan origin (Gabriel M. and Roberick) and were allegedly found with ammunition, narcotics and a black suitcase.
“We had the privilege of being part of Guillermo’s chosen family for many years,” said Hidalgo Ortiz’s friends Jose, Alexis, Roger, Sarah, Maggie, David and Orlando in a statement to this publication. “When he and Zafar found their way back to each other, we celebrated the love they had rediscovered and the happiness they shared.
“As Guillermo’s friends, we are grieving the loss of someone who profoundly shaped our lives. His absence has left an immeasurable void, yet the love he shared continues to bring people together. Each of us carries cherished memories filled with laughter, kindness, generosity and the warmth he brought into every room. Through Guillermo, we also came to know and love Zafar, and we will always honor the beautiful life they built together.
“We are deeply grateful to the members of the press and to everyone who has shown compassion, empathy and support during this unimaginable time. Your kindness has helped sustain us through our grief, and we hope you will continue to keep Guillermo and Zafar’s names, their lives, and the call for justice in the public eye.
“We will always remember Guillermo and Zafar not for the way they were taken from us, but for the extraordinary love they shared, the lives they lived and the lasting light they left behind.”
A GoFundMe has been set up by the couple’s friend Ashley Jeanine Galante to have a memorial bench and plaque installation honoring them installed in Scoville Park in Oak Park. So far, over $4,000 has been raised. Whatever funds are left after the bench and plaque are paid for will be given to Center on Halsted.