CHIAPAS, Mexico — October 23, 2026. Authorities in southern Mexico are investigating the death of a grandmother and the disappearance of her 12-year-old granddaughter after the two went missing while traveling to a rural property in the municipality of Ostuacán, Chiapas.
Mirian Cruz Alpuche, approximately 55, and her granddaughter, Ariana Scarlet Velázquez Cruz, were last seen together on Monday, October 19, when they left the community of Ribera Tanchichal to check on cattle at a nearby ranch. Neither returned home, prompting relatives and neighbors to organize a search.
GRANDMOTHER FOUND DEAD NEAR A STREAM
On Wednesday, October 21, local residents searching the surrounding countryside discovered the grandmother’s body near a small stream.
According to local reports, the body was found covered with black plastic bags and a blue tarp. Forensic personnel subsequently identified the woman as Mirian Cruz Alpuche.
Some reports have described possible signs of violence, although authorities have not publicly established the precise circumstances of her death or identified those responsible.
The discovery intensified concern for Ariana, who remained missing.
AMBER ALERT ACTIVATED FOR 12-YEAR-OLD ARIANA
The Chiapas Amber Alert system issued an alert for Ariana Scarlet Velázquez Cruz, identified in case AACS0015/2026.
According to the information provided in the alert, Ariana is 12 years old, approximately 4 feet 9 inches tall (1.45 meters), and weighs about 99 pounds (45 kilograms).
She has black hair, dark eyes and a medium-brown complexion. Identifying features include a scar on her left eyebrow and scars on both knees.
Authorities have not confirmed her whereabouts or publicly identified any suspects in connection with her disappearance.
FAMILY CALLS FOR MORE RESCUE RESOURCES
Ariana’s mother, Itzel Velázquez Cruz, has publicly appealed for additional support to locate her daughter.
The family has requested specialized search personnel and aerial resources, including drones and helicopters, to help cover the difficult terrain surrounding Ostuacán.
The area includes rural roads, ranches, wooded paths and mountainous terrain that can complicate ground searches.
Family members have continued sharing appeals for information as concern grows over the child’s safety.
COMMUNITY ORGANIZES SEARCH OPERATIONS
Residents of Ribera Tanchichal and nearby communities have joined relatives and volunteers in searching paths, ranches, streams and surrounding areas.
Additional search efforts were organized for Friday, October 23, with volunteers gathering in central Ostuacán before heading toward rural search zones.
The community has also called on state authorities to accelerate the investigation and deploy additional resources.
Local residents have emphasized the urgency of finding Ariana and obtaining reliable information about what happened after she and her grandmother left home.
AUTHORITIES INVESTIGATE AS QUESTIONS REMAIN
The Chiapas State Attorney General’s Office is investigating the circumstances surrounding the grandmother’s death and Ariana’s disappearance.
As of the latest information provided, authorities had not announced arrests, identified a suspect or confirmed a motive.
Investigators have also not publicly established whether the grandmother’s death and the child’s disappearance resulted from the same criminal act.
The absence of confirmed information has heightened concern among residents, while relatives continue appealing for assistance.
SEARCH CONTINUES FOR ARIANA
The investigation remains active as family members and volunteers continue searching for the missing girl.
Authorities have not announced a confirmed location for Ariana, and the circumstances surrounding her disappearance remain unclear.
Anyone with credible information about her whereabouts should contact the appropriate Mexican authorities or the Chiapas Amber Alert system rather than attempting an independent intervention.
The case has drawn attention to the challenges faced by families searching for missing children in rural communities, where difficult terrain and limited access can complicate emergency response efforts.
