Police say a woman arrested in central Mexico on suspicion of killing a 16-year-old mother and her infant son told investigators she did it because she thought the victim was using witchcraft against her.
The killing and dismemberment of Beatriz Sanchez Lopez outraged inhabitants of the tiny hamlet of Coyuco in Hildago state northeast of Mexico City.
Villagers detained 23-year-old suspect Rosa Rodriguez Olvera on Monday and threatened to lynch her before a local official stepped in and persuaded them to turn her over to police.
Sanchez Lopez's dismembered body was found in a sack near a sawmill on Monday, and the body of her 3-month-old son was found near a stove, according to a report issued by police. It was unclear whether the killer intended to burn the body.
Police investigative director Ahuizotl Hideroa Juarez said Tuesday the suspect's twin sister, who is at large, may also have been involved in the crime. The investigation continues.
According to the police report, Rodriguez Olvera told villagers she had strangled the victim to death because "she was doing witchcraft."
Rodriguez Olvera reportedly said she believed the spells had caused illnesses in her family.
