Six human heads were discovered on a road connecting the Mexican states of Puebla and Tlaxcala.
The grim discovery occurred in what are generally considered mostly peaceful areas in the early hours of Tuesday, Aug. 19, according to the BBC.
Officials confirmed that the heads belonged to men, but so far, no additional details about the victims’ identities or the motive behind the killings have been released, per BBC and CNN.
Local outlet La Jornada reported that a person called 911 at 6:45 a.m. local time after spotting “what appeared to be a human head on the side of the road.”
The heads were reportedly in a state of decomposition, and one was found accompanied by a banner bearing a name associated with a criminal group. The banner was signed “La Barredora,” which translates to “the sweeper,” according to the BBC.
PEOPLE has reached out to the Attorney General’s Office of the State of Tlaxcala for further comment.
Police sources told La Jornada that the skin on the heads was peeling, and the banner allegedly accused certain individuals of committing violent acts in the region.
Puebla and Tlaxcala are not typically known as hotspots for cartel activity, according to BBC and CNN.
“The #FGJE opened an investigation into the discovery of six male head limbs near the states of Puebla and Tlaxcala,” the Attorney General’s Office of the State of Tlaxcala said in a statement on Facebook.
“Upon learning of the events, Investigative Police officers and experts from the Institute of Forensic Sciences (INCIFO) went to the scene, conducted the necessary examinations, and began the initial investigation,” the statement continued.
Officials added, “The #FGJE will continue with the relevant diligence, aiming to clarify what happened and hold whoever is responsible accountable.”
This incident follows another recent discovery in Sinaloa, where 20 bodies were found, including five that had been decapitated on a federal highway bridge, according to CNN.
