**Eddy Carrillo May Conclude Search for Son After 6 Years of Activism**
After nearly six years of relentless searching, which extended internationally and led to the establishment of the “We Are All Erick Carrillo” Foundation, activist Eddy Carrillo may soon find closure following the discovery of two human remains in the El Lago neighborhood.
On May 31, 2019, Erick Carrillo, then 19, left his house with friends heading for the Tijuana Beach Boardwalk and later to the Karma Bar. They stayed until the early hours of June 1. Security cameras captured Erick leaving the venue, marking the last known sighting of him.
Two weeks ago, Eddy Carrillo, president of the “We Are All Erick Carrillo” Foundation, reported the location of two skeletons during a search in the El Lago neighborhood.
“Seven days ago, the State Prosecutor’s Office of Baja California informed us that one set of remains had returned a positive DNA match with a friend who was with Erick in 2019. The second lot included a jacket identical to the one Erick wore on the day of his disappearance,” the activist explained.
The same area had previously revealed around three graves with nearly 18 bodies. Acting on an anonymous tip, Eddy decided to return for an exhaustive search that led to promising results this time.
“It’s a relief because it’s been almost six years searching for Erick, traveling across the country and beyond, sacrificing my financial stability, family, and social life. I gave everything to find my son,” he expressed.
Driven by love and hope, Eddy’s family became activists during their search for Erick. His parents and siblings conducted their own live searches, putting up flyers, and scouring hills and channels in other states. They even developed skills typically reserved for forensic experts and the Search Commission. “While it’s tragic that we found him deceased, it’s still a blessing for us,” Eddy noted.
Regarding the investigation into his son’s disappearance, he mentioned that authorities were pursuing two leads. Now, the first hypothesis will be re-examined, as the location of the remains corresponds with that direction. He chose not to disclose further details until receiving conclusive results expected Friday, December 6.
**Foundation Leadership Transition**
Should the remains be confirmed as Erick’s, Eddy plans to step down from leading the foundation and field searches, honoring a promise he made to Our Lady of Guadalupe to find his son.
“I made a vow to Our Lady of Guadalupe. For two years, I prayed for this miracle. I promised to retire from the foundation if the results were positive. I must keep my word. In life, being truthful is important,” he stated.
The “We Are All Erick Carrillo” Foundation will continue under new leadership. Although Eddy plans to occasionally help search for others on weekends, he aims to relocate to the United States.
“It will hurt to leave this work; I love it, but I must honor my commitment. I will grieve and miss it, but it’s the right thing to do,” he confessed.
Over five and a half years, Eddy Carrillo, his family, and others in similar situations successfully located hundreds of people, bringing peace to families. He expressed gratitude to everyone who supported the cause and encouraged persistence.
“Yes, it can be done. Don’t give up fighting or searching. Sometimes you have to dig with your hands, as that’s how I succeeded,” he concluded.
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**Secondary Article: Advances in Missing Persons Cases in Baja California**
In recent developments within Baja California, there have been several breakthroughs in missing persons cases, reflecting a growing network of activists and families determined to find their loved ones.
Collaborative efforts between local authorities and citizen-led search groups have led to significant discoveries. Notably, new technological advancements are being employed to track last known locations and establish patterns that may aid in both preventing disappearances and finding individuals.
Awareness campaigns are also gaining traction, offering support to affected families and generating public interest in the ongoing issues surrounding missing persons.
The use of forensic anthropology and DNA matching has become a crucial aspect of these searches, bringing hope and closure to countless families longing for answers.
The persistence of activists like Eddy Carrillo and many other families underscores the power of community-led initiatives in bringing missing persons’ stories to the forefront, catalyzing changes in how these cases are approached both locally and globally.