rights
Missing Gay Couple From Chicago Found Dead in Mass Grave Outside of Mexico City
By Mathew Rodriguez at them.
· July 2, 2026
· 3 min read
A gay couple from Chicago who were living in Mexico City have been found dead in a grave that included two other bodies, per Chicago ABC affiliate WLS.Zafar Padamsee Mawani and Guillermo Jaffet Hidalgo Ortiz had been missing since May, per WLS. The couple had only recently moved to Mexico in October
Key takeaway The bodies were found on June 17 in a wooded area on the outskirts of Mexico City, per People.
Why this matters
The tragic deaths of Zafar Padamsee Mawani and Guillermo Jaffet Hidalgo Ortiz, a gay couple from Chicago found in a mass grave outside Mexico City, highlights the alarming rate of disappearances in Mexico, with over 130,000 people currently deemed missing. The case also underscores the vulnerability of LGBTQ+ individuals, who may face increased risks due to discrimination and lack of protection. The fact that the couple had only recently moved to Mexico and were still adjusting to their new surroundings may have contributed to their vulnerability. The arrests of five individuals, including a former police officer, in connection with the killings, raises concerns about corruption and the involvement of law enforcement in criminal activities. As the National LGBTQ Task Force and other organizations continue to advocate for the rights and safety of LGBTQ+ individuals, this case serves as a stark reminder of the need for greater awareness and action to address the crisis of disappearances in Mexico and the specific risks faced by LGBTQ+ individuals.
About this story
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Category: rights ·
Published: July 2, 2026 ·
Source: them. ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A gay couple from Chicago who were living in Mexico City have been found dead in a grave that included two other bodies, per Chicago ABC affiliate WLS.Zafar Padamsee Mawani and Guillermo Jaffet Hidalgo Ortiz had been missing since May, per WLS. The couple had only recently moved to Mexico in October
When was this published? This article was first published on July 2, 2026 by them. and curated for LGBTQ News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Mathew Rodriguez at them.. To learn more about how LGBTQ News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more rights coverage from LGBTQ News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .