Mexican police arrest suspected serial killer who mutilated his victims

Police in the northern Mexican state of Chihuahua have arrested a serial killer who mutilated his victims, who could number as many as 12.

The search began in mid-November, when authorities in the region found the remains of a maimed body in the backyard of an abandoned home in the downtown residential area of Desarrollo Urbano.

A few days later, more human remains were found nearby, coinciding with reports of disappearances.

Police also found a saw that had been used to cut up the bodies and a doll placed next to one of the victims

On Tuesday, the police arrested Andrés Ulises Castillo, 35, and found a third body inside his home.

The investigation so far suggests that the suspect could be behind two rapes and up to 12 homicides in the area.

“We believe he could have ties with other highly brutal incidents recorded in various parts of the city between 2009 and 2015,” announced Chihuahua State Attorney Jorge Enrique González in a joint press conference with the state’s chief of police.

Authorities said there were sexual motives behind the three deaths attributed to the suspect, as well as links to drug use. A small amount of methamphetamine was found inside Castillo’s home.

The investigation was based on neighbors’ depositions and on expert analyses of the remains found inside the home. The blood stains on the blankets and cloths that the bodies were wrapped in were key. Police also discovered blood stains on the floors and walls, a saw that had been used to cut up the bodies, a doll that was placed next to one of the victims, and an ID card from a security company.

“Through field work and expert testing, we determined that the criminal used the same modus operandi, including the same saw to cut up the bodies and a wheelbarrow that he used to carry the limbs to the spots where he left them,” said the state attorney.

The killer allegedly hit his victims on the head until they died, then cut them up and scattered the pieces in various locations.

English version by Susana Urra.