#Mexico – Father Juan Manuel Zavala Madrigal (also referred to as Juan Manuel Zavala), a 53-year-old Roman Catholic priest of the Archdiocese of Tuxtla Gutiérrez in Chiapas, southern Mexico, was found dead on March 9, 2026. He served as the parish priest of San Marcos Evangelista in the municipality of Ocotepec, working for about 36 years, especially with rural and indigenous communities in the region.
On Sunday, March 8, 2026, Father Zavala celebrated Mass in the rural community of San Andrés Carrizal. He did not return to his parish afterwards. Locals and authorities began searching when he was reported missing. Residents first found his abandoned vehicle, along with his cassock, backpack, and other religious/personal items. The next morning, searchers discovered his body near the Laguna Verde Ecotourism Center in the municipality of Coapilla, Chiapas — roughly 12 miles (about 20 km) from his parish. The site is in a rural, northern part of Chiapas.
The Archdiocese of Tuxtla Gutiérrez confirmed the discovery and expressed sorrow. Civil authorities opened an investigation to determine the exact cause of death. Early reports noted no obvious signs of violence in some accounts, though the circumstances (disappearance after Mass, items left behind) raised concerns. No immediate arrests or confirmed motive (such as robbery, cartel involvement, or other foul play) were widely detailed in initial coverage, and the probe was ongoing.
Chiapas has seen significant violence in recent years linked to disputes between criminal groups/cartels, which has affected communities and clergy. This incident occurred less than two years after the high-profile assassination of another Chiapas priest, Father Marcelo Pérez (a peace activist), in October 2024.
Image: Father Juan Manuel Zavala Madrigal seen during his service as an ordained priest on an unknown date.
