An influencer and environmental advocate who had been reported missing was tragically discovered deceased in Mexico following alarming death threats he had received instructing him to cease his activities.
Manuel Alejandro Moreno Serna, also known as Alex Serna, vanished on June 20 after posting a video exposing a produce company. Subsequently, a body showing signs of torture was found inside a blue drum two days later, believed to be his.
The deceased was identified as Mr. Serna from Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, Mexico, and his untimely demise has sparked significant local outcry, confirmed by the Human Rights Commission of the State of Guerrero (CDHEG).
His remains were found near the Zihuatanejo-Acapulco federal highway in Petatlán on June 22, concealed in a barrel. Despite his family identifying the body days later, CDHEG publicly verified the identification, calling for a prompt investigation.
CDHEG stated, “The Human Rights Commission of the State of Guerrero urges the relevant authorities to thoroughly investigate and clarify the circumstances.” Mr. Serna was notable in the Costa Grande region for his work in documenting environmental issues, land disputes, and potential corruption.
On the day of his disappearance, he had accused a foreign mango company of unauthorized water extraction in his region, citing evidence of lacking federal approval.
Authorities have yet to disclose a motive for his death, and no arrests have been made in connection with the incident. Nevertheless, Mr. Serna had previously received threatening messages over social media before his demise.
Online posts directed at him included menacing statements like “stop what you’re doing” and “we are monitoring you, you should retreat.” Another message warned him, “We are serious, we know where you are.”
His passing has incited widespread local support, particularly from activists and journalists, who, along with residents, plan to protest. Various groups had scheduled a demonstration outside Zihuatanejo City Hall with slogans condemning disappearances and suppression.
Following the news of his death, a friend of Mr. Serna urged for immediate action on social media, highlighting the risk faced by journalists in Guerrero.
The friend’s statement read, “We urgently call upon the relevant authorities, including President Claudia Sheinbaum, to address the critical situation in Guerrero. This is not an isolated incident. Independent journalists advocating for truth are increasingly at risk of abduction.”