Chiapas investigates femicide of American woman; search continues for her seven children

Chiapas authorities are investigating the femicide of Makala Pendley, a 30-year-old American woman whose body was discovered on the outskirts of Zinacantán on Monday afternoon. Pendley had been reported missing along with her seven children, aged between one and 12 years old, since February 23.

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) had issued a missing person alert for the children, who are originally from Indianapolis. Pendley's body showed signs of violence, prompting the state police and forensic teams to initiate an investigation. The prosecutor's office has formed a special unit to apprehend the perpetrator swiftly.

Makala Pendley is survived by her children: Aubielle Oriana Butler (8), Polaris Jude Butler (3), Nikola Jude Butler (12), Earthum Jude Butler (5), Orion Jude Butler (7), Azrael Jude Butler (1), and Joseph Jude Butler (10).

This is not the first time the children have gone missing. In August 2025, Pendley reported the children missing in Yucatán, alleging their father, identified by the initials J.B., had taken them. After a search warrant was issued, the children were located in Mérida. At the time, Pendley expressed fear that their father might have abandoned them, stating she had no identification or phone number and could only be contacted via Messenger.

The whereabouts of the seven children remain unknown, and the search is ongoing. The Chiapas prosecutor's office is focusing on the femicide investigation while continuing efforts to locate the missing minors.