A 34-year-old mother of two left her family to go shopping one morning but never returned home. Renya Gonazales’ husband, a police officer named Bruno Portillo, launched a search for her and uncovered a shocking revelation.
Bruno, along with his colleagues, unveiled a disturbing series of crimes committed by a previously unsuspected serial killer. This killer would frequent nightclubs, selecting victims to bring back to his home where he would murder, dismember, and consume them.
Andres Filomeno Mendoza, a 72-year-old well-respected community member and former political leader, was eventually caught after 20 years of uninterrupted killing and cannibalism. His reign of terror ended when he targeted Reyna.
Upon visiting Mendoza’s home, Bruno discovered his wife’s dismembered body, prompting a police intervention that exposed multiple victims and evidence of cold cases. Mendoza, also known as the Cannibal of Atizapan, kept a macabre list of names and had a significant collection of remains in his residence.
Following his 2021 arrest, Mendoza was sentenced to life in prison for Reyna’s murder. He confessed to consuming parts of his victims, particularly those who rejected his advances, showcasing a disturbing pattern of violence and brutality.
The investigation revealed a total of 19 confirmed victims, including 17 women, one child, and one man. Mendoza’s depraved actions shocked the community, as they grappled with the reality of living near a prolific serial killer.