Ohio Architect And Partner Missing Since Christmas Found Dead In Mexico

The four bodies found inside a van riddled with bullets by authorities in the state of Zacatecas last week have reportedly been identified.

According to authorities in a report by Fox 19 News, the three bodies were reportedly that of Daniela Pichardo, Viviana Pichardo, Irma Vargas and Jose Gutierrez.

It was added that investigators are waiting for DNA information before definitely identifying the remains.

Regardless, the employer of Gutierrez announced the passing of the Ohio architect on social media along with his fiancée, Daniela.

“We will all miss him more than words can express,” the post read.

The van that the four people were riding in was riddled with at least a dozen bullet holes. The tires were also blown. According to TV Azteca, the van was believed to have been used by the four people to travel around Zacatecas.

Back in December, the families of Gutierrez and Pichardo were already fearing the possibility that both had been kidnapped since they had not heard from them after Christmas Day.

It was added that per unnamed witnesses, screams of panic were heard and that they saw the four victims being pulled out of the van.

The US State Department lists Zacatecas as one of the destinations not to go to due to past abductions and the ongoing violence in the area.

“Violent crime, extortion, and gang activity are widespread in Zacatecas state. US citizens and LPRs [lawful permanent residents] have been victims of kidnapping,” the advisory read.

Gutierrez was allegedly born in Mexico before he moved to the United States. He carried a master’s degree from the University of Miami and worked at Champlin Architecture in Cincinnati.

The company also announced that it plans to create a scholarship in his name at his alma mater to honor his impact on our firm and the community.

Gutierrez and Pichardo were supposed to tie the knot this year.