Overview
- A federal judge granted an amparo that voided the prosecution’s case and led a control judge to issue a non‑linkage order, resulting in José Luis A.C.’s release late on Feb. 13.
- The ruling found prosecutors did not prove the required intent for crimes like concealment or illegal conservation, characterizing the conduct as administrative rather than criminal.
- The Chihuahua Prosecutor’s Office said it will file a recurso de revisión to seek reversal of the amparo and a complaint to prompt oversight review of the judge.
- Officials voiced concern about a possible flight risk to the United States given reports the owner is a U.S. citizen, while not specifying immediate precautionary measures.
- Forensic efforts continue, with authorities reporting 191 bodies identified, 185 delivered to families, and 152 DNA tests processed, as families and collectives protest and allege incorrect ashes were returned.