Full Breakdown
Investigation Sought into Allegations of Buried Girls Near Epstein's Zorro Ranch
2/15/2026, 2:04:19 AM
Disturbing Allegations Prompt Official Inquiry
New Mexico Land Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard has called for an investigation into allegations that two foreign girls were buried on public land near Jeffrey Epstein's Zorro Ranch. This request follows the release of a 2019 email, which claimed that the girls were buried under the direction of Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, who is currently serving a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking. Garcia Richard expressed her concern, stating, “If state land was used for criminal activity, that is definitely something New Mexicans need to know.”
Garcia Richard noted that, to her knowledge, neither the state land nor Zorro Ranch has been searched as part of any criminal investigation. She emphasized the importance of understanding the potential implications of these allegations, particularly for victims and survivors. The area in question is described as “fairly large,” with investigators likely focusing on the hills behind Zorro Ranch.
Background on the Allegations
The claims emerged from a trove of documents released by the U.S. Department of Justice, which included an email sent to conservative radio host Eddy Aragon. The email, from an anonymous source claiming to be a former staff member at Zorro Ranch, alleged that the girls died from strangulation during “rough, fetish sex.” The email further claimed that their bodies were buried on the property following orders from Epstein and Maxwell.
Garcia Richard has reached out to the New Mexico Department of Justice and federal authorities, seeking their involvement in the investigation. She previously contacted the attorney general's office in 2019 regarding these allegations, but no action was taken at that time.
Official Responses and Criticism
James Grayson, Chief Deputy Attorney General for the New Mexico Department of Justice, stated that the claims appear unsubstantiated and stem from an anonymous individual referencing events purportedly occurring over six years ago. He emphasized the need for access to unredacted emails to assess the situation accurately.
New Mexico Democratic Representative Melanie Stansbury expressed her concern over the lack of accountability regarding Zorro Ranch, stating, “There are still lots of unanswered questions about Zorro Ranch... the miscarriage of justice in this case is just stunning, appalling, disgusting.”
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
While the allegations have sparked significant concern, Grayson’s office has indicated that the claims lack substantiation. The anonymous nature of the email and the absence of specific details regarding the alleged incidents raise questions about the reliability of the information.
What's Next?
Garcia Richard plans to collaborate with law enforcement agencies capable of conducting searches for possible unmarked graves, utilizing technology such as ground-penetrating radar and cadaver dogs. The investigation's outcome may provide clarity on the allegations and their implications for the surrounding community and the legacy of Epstein's actions.
Verbatim Quotes
- “There was a very disturbing allegation that came out that could potentially be linked to state land,” — Stephanie Garcia Richard, New Mexico Land Commissioner
- “I’m horrified when I learned something new, especially when I learned that state land could have been used, could have been involved in some of these monstrous activities,” — Stephanie Garcia Richard
- “The miscarriage of justice in this case is just stunning, appalling, disgusting.” — Melanie Stansbury, New Mexico Democratic Representative
