https://firstlook.org/theintercept/2015/05/04/how-43-students-disappeared-in-mexico/">two–part investigation of the disappearance of the 43 students, document how these boys had grown into young men before they were taken away. The photos also document the lives of those who are left behind to cry, to cope, to continue the search. The pictures are an attempt to show the intangible qualities — the customs and traditions that have always existed in Omeapa — and new, atypical attributes of sorrow that will undoubtedly change the village and its inhabitants forever.

PHOTOGRAHY BY KEITH DANNEMILLER FOR THE INTERCEPT

Forty-three male students from the Raul Burgos Rural Teachers College in Ayotzinapa, Guerrero were disappeared on September 26, 2014 at the hands of local police working in conjunction with drug traffickers. Margarito Guerrero, father of Jhosivani Guerrero de la Cruz, one of the 43 missing normal school students, sits in the living room of his house in Omeapa, Guerrero.

Margarito Guerrero, father of Jhosivani Guerrero de la Cruz, one of the 43 missing students, sits in the living room of his house in Omeapa.

Keith Dannemiller

The mother and sister of Everardo Rodríguez Bello, one of the disappeared students, at their home in Omeapa.

Keith Dannemiller

A small altar with Day of the Dead flowers, candles and photos of Emiliano Alan Gaspar de la Cruz, one of the disappeared students, in a corner of his family’s house.

Keith Dannemiller

The parents of Emiliano Alan Gaspar de la Cruz, one of the 43 disappeared students, sit in a small patio of their house in Omeapa.

Keith Dannemiller

Brian Gaspar de la Cruz sits on a bed used by his older brother, Emiliano Alan, one of the disappeared students.

Keith Dannemiller

A T-shirt imprinted with his photo asks “Where are you, Everardo Rodríguez Bello?”

Keith Dannemiller

Brian Gaspar de la Cruz, brother of missing student Emiliano Gaspar de la Cruz, stands in the doorway of his family’s home.

Keith Dannemiller

Part 1 of Ryan Devereaux’s investigation here. Part 2 here.

Keith Dannemiller

Mexico: A Town Mourns Its Lost Sons (Photo Essay)