Getting a body out of Mexico

by Dawn 8 Replies latest jw friends

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  Dawn

  Strange subject line isn't it?! Well - this is a bizzarre situation.

  My died in Mexico a few weeks ago - he had dual citizenship (American & Mexican) and had moved down to Cabo about a year ago. We're having one hell of a time getting ANYONE to help us get the body exhumed and returned to the States. I went there (Cabo Mexico) in person and spent 8 days - no luck - we have offered to pay the expenses up front - still no luck.

  So........is there anyone at all out there who might have some information that could help us out? We need to get the body back asap as they did not give my brother a proper burial so if we don't act fast there may be nothing left. We want it for 2 reasons (1) another autopsy done here in the States (which we have a cornor that is willing to help us with), and (2) we would then like to have a proper burial. By the way - if you have any info on how to get copies of police reports, crime scene photos, or autopsy reports from the Mexican government that would help also - although I'll probably see pigs fly before I get anything from them.

  Last October I lost my father - now my brother this November.....this really makes me want to completely BAHHH HUMBUGG the holidays!

  If there's any information anyone can offer we would really appreciate it - we're at our wits end and noone wants to help us out.
• 

  Outaservice

  Well Dawn, not knowing all the details, if I were in your shoes, I think I would hire the best Spanish speaking lawyer I could find. Sometimes a language barrier is the problem or local customs/cultural things play into the equation too.

  Outaservice
• 

  SixofNine

  I think Megadude does this sort of thing all the time.

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  Seriously, I have no idea, but my condolances on your losses, I'm very sorry.
• 

  Double Edge

  Sorry to hear about your loss...truly. What part of the Country do you live in? I live in So. California and speak a little Spanish. Have you contacted the American Consulate? The Mexican Embassy in Wash. D.C. or Consulate in California? Also, you might want to check with a latino funeral director, I know they ship bodies down to Mexico from L.A.
• 

  Incense_and_Peppermints

  Dawn,

  I'm so sorry you're going through this. I agree with Outaservice - getting a good lawyer is the best option. They can guide you through the bureaucratic stuff and get you the help you need. I also found a link that might help a little:

  http://lawcrawler.findlaw.com/

  Good luck to you.

  (this was at the bottom of that link. hugs you.)

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  Edited by - Incense_and_Peppermints on 2 December 2002 23:22:9
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  outoftheorg

  Hello Dawn;

  Mexico operates under the old Maxmillian laws for the most part and are unlike our legal system.

  Mexico also has a long lasting system of Mordida "we would call it a system of bribes" that require an exchange of money or tips to get action out of others. Especially the government. So be prepared for this.

  I would suggest going to the nearest US consulate and ask them to refer you to a mexican of signifigant influence in the area of "Cabo San Lucas"?? Is this what you mean by Cabo?

  This may not be an attorney. But this is the only way I knew of getting action in that area.

  Also you can try to locate other people in So Calif "San Diego" area that may have influence in the area of Mexico you are in. Do all of this through the nearest US consulat office.

  It would be wise to try and locate some americans that are living in this area of Mexico. There should be quite a few and ask for their help in this problem. Their having lived there for some time has probably given them the necessary contacts to help out with the authorities. Especially the search for a person of influence in the area . A person of wealth and or influence in Mexico can work wonders for you. DO NOT chastize the authorities in any way. This will bring a shut door to you.

  Often these consulate offices employ Mexican nationals and these could be of help. This is a whole different world than the one you are used to.

  When you are in Mexico I strongly advise you to purchase Mexican auto insurance as they do not recognize US insurance companies even if they show coverage into mexico. Not having Mexican auto insurance can cause an awful lot of problems in the event of an accident including going to jail.

  If I recall correctly Cabo San Lucas has a designated person to assist tourists in times of trouble. This may be another source of help and information.

  I wish you the best in this problem.Outoftheorg

  Edited by - outoftheorg on 2 December 2002 23:35:48
• 

  notperfectyet

  Please e-mail me, your's is blocked
• 

  wheelwithinwheel

  I've driven through Mexico and encountered some hairy situations but there never seems to be a problem that can't be solved with U.S. dollars. I was with a Mexican and he would ask, "so how are we going to get this done", "there must be another way", and we would be told how much it would cost. Up here it insults us and we call it a bribe, down there it's considered the normal way to get things done...especially if things are complicated which they always are ...ha-ha.
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  Mulan

  Dawn, did your brother ever live in Washington State? This sounds like a situation we heard of recently.