What happened to the couple murdered in Puebla? Karina and Alexandro left their home on Thursday, February 19. Their bodies were found 24 hours later in Chignahuapan. They were both 50 years old and had three children.

Couple murdered in Puebla: Karina de los Ángeles Ruiz Ruiz and Alexandro Agustín Tello Olmedo left their home in Puebla City headed for Tlaxcala on February 19. That same day, they lost contact with family and friends and were reported missing. On the night of February 20, 2025, their bodies were found in the municipality of Chignahuapan, Puebla. Both were 50 years old and left behind three children aged 22, 17, and 12.

The case sparked a wave of solidarity in Puebla and reignited debate over violence in the region. The couple was connected to Instituto Oriente, a Jesuit school in Puebla City, whose community launched a fundraising campaign to support the orphaned children. The Puebla State Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that the crime occurred in Tlaxcala, transferring the investigation to that state.

What happened to the couple murdered in Puebla?

Here is what is known about Karina and Alexandro’s movements from the time they left their home until they were found dead.

• Saturday, February 22. Puebla Attorney General Idamis Pastor Betancourt confirmed at a press conference that the murder took place in Tlaxcala, following 50 investigative actions.
• Thursday morning. The couple left their home in Puebla City heading to Tlaxcala.
• 9:56 a.m. Surveillance cameras captured their vehicle at the “El Molinito” highway interchange, following another car toward the Tlaxcala-Apizaco highway.
• 11:00 a.m. They were last seen alive on Federal Highway 119.
• Thursday afternoon-evening. All trace of the couple was lost. Their family received no further communication.
• Friday, February 20, night. Puebla authorities confirmed the discovery of their bodies in the municipality of Chignahuapan. Authorities did not specify whether there were visible signs of violence.

Authorities and lines of investigation

At a February 22 press conference, Puebla Attorney General Idamis Pastor Betancourt reported that the institution carried out 50 investigative actions. The findings confirmed that the homicide occurred in Tlaxcala territory, so the Tlaxcala State Attorney General’s Office will take over the case. Both offices will work in coordination.

Puebla Governor Alejandro Armenta stated on social media that justice would be served and that state authorities would enforce the law to clarify the crime.

Reactions and consequences

The State Executive Commission for Victim Assistance (Ceeavi) activated intervention protocols for the family, including psychological support, legal counseling, and accompaniment during prosecutorial proceedings. The three children are recognized as “indirect victims,” granting them access to state support.

The Instituto Oriente community launched a fundraiser directed to the account of Emilio, the eldest son. The response was so overwhelming that the bank account was temporarily blocked. The institution is considering granting orphanhood scholarships to the two younger children. The Universidad Iberoamericana Puebla called on authorities to clarify the double homicide and prevent impunity.

The role of Chignahuapan in this case

Chignahuapan is also the municipality where Mayor Juan Rivero Trejo inaugurated, on December 12, 2025, a roadway over 750 meters long named “Avenida Andrés Manuel López Obrador.” The city government released a video stating: “This roadway bears the name Avenida Andrés Manuel López Obrador in recognition of a vision of transformation.” Two months later, in that same municipality, Karina and Alexandro’s bodies were found.

The mayor was also criticized on social media over a video in which users claimed to see a bundle of cash in his hand. Rivero Trejo denied the allegation, stating it was an unopened gift from his wife.

How to help the children of the couple murdered in Puebla

Emilio Tello is 22 years old and, since the murder of his parents, has taken responsibility for keeping his two younger siblings, aged 17 and 12, together. He launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover expenses the family can no longer afford on their own. The campaign is available HERE.

Funds will be used for:

• Food and household expenses
• Basic services: electricity, water, and internet
• School expenses for his younger siblings
• Essential needs to maintain stability

Emilio continues his university studies. Finishing his degree, he says, will allow him to financially support his siblings in the future. His aunt, a professional accountant, will manage the funds and provide regular updates to donors.