On the morning of Thursday, April 24, 2025, María del Carmen Morales, a dedicated member of the Guerreros Buscadores de Jalisco collective, was tragically killed alongside her son, Jaime Daniel Ramírez, in the Las Villas neighbourhood of Tlajomulco de Zúñiga, Jalisco. This incident has drawn national attention due to its implications for the safety of activists searching for the disappeared in Mexico.
Background
María del Carmen’s journey as a “madre buscadora” (searching mother) began in February 2024, when her 19-year-old son, Ernesto Julián Ramírez Morales, was forcibly abducted from their home in Las Villas. According to María del Carmen, three armed men entered their residence, took Ernesto under the pretext of questioning him, and left with him in an old white car. Despite her efforts, including organizing searches in abandoned properties, Ernesto’s whereabouts remained unknown, leading her to join the Guerreros Buscadores collective to continue her quest for justice and truth .
The Attack
On the day of the attack, María del Carmen and Jaime Daniel were collecting water in a public park in Las Villas due to water shortages in their area. They were approached by two assailants on a motorcycle who opened fire, killing both instantly. The Guerreros Buscadores collective confirmed the deaths and issued a statement demanding an immediate and thorough investigation into the incident, emphasizing the need for justice and an end to impunity in Jalisco .
Official Response
The Jalisco State Prosecutor’s Office reported that Jaime Daniel was the primary target of the attack, with María del Carmen being an unintended victim. However, the Guerreros Buscadores collective and other organizations have criticized this assessment, arguing that the attack was likely related to María del Carmen’s activism, especially considering the threats she had received in the past .
Claudia Sheinbaum, President of Mexico, has called for a comprehensive investigation into the murders, highlighting the importance of protecting individuals engaged in the search for the disappeared and ensuring accountability for such crimes .
Impact and Legacy
María del Carmen Morales is the 28th mother searching for the disappeared to be murdered in Mexico since 2010. Her death underscores the perilous conditions faced by activists in the country and the urgent need for protective measures for those advocating for justice for the disappeared. The Guerreros Buscadores collective continues to demand justice for María del Carmen, her son Jaime Daniel, and all victims of forced disappearance, urging both state and federal authorities to take concrete actions to address the crisis of disappearances in Mexico.
The tragic deaths of María del Carmen Morales and her son Jaime Daniel Ramírez serve as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those seeking truth and justice in the face of widespread impunity. Their legacy lives on through the continued efforts of the Guerreros Buscadores collective and other organizations dedicated to finding the disappeared and holding perpetrators accountable.
