New findings claim the three-fingered bodies with elongated skulls are real and date back over 1,200 years.
Scientists examining a set of mysterious three-fingered mummified bodies found in Peru now believe that some of them may have died violent deaths and were possibly murdered.
“These are yet more pieces of clear and irrefutable evidence that these bodies are 100% genuine, real, and organic having once been alive,” said Dr José Zalce, former director of the Mexican Navy Medical Department, who is leading the investigation, according to the Star which cited local Peruvian news media outlets.
Zalce said he has studied 21 of the so-called “Nazca mummies” in detail, examining their fingerprints, bone structures, muscular anatomy, and internal organs. Among the most closely analysed are two female mummies named Maria and Montserrat and a male specimen identified as Antonio.
The mummies were first discovered in 2017 in Peru’s Nazca desert and presented to the public in Mexico two years ago. At the time, they were introduced as potential non-human beings not part of Earth’s evolutionary chain.
Initial DNA tests had sparked headlines, suggesting the remains were part-human and part unknown species. That led to Mexico’s first-ever congressional hearing on unidentified aerial phenomena. However, the credibility of the find was challenged last year, when forensic experts claimed the specimens could be fabricated from papier-mâché, animal bones and glue.
Maria, believed to have been between 35 and 45 years old and standing about 5 feet 6 inches tall, had suffered multiple injuries. These included a deep cut and bite marks near her pelvis, puncture wounds along her lower back, and broken vertebrae near the tailbone.
She also appeared to have sustained a zigzag-shaped wound consistent with a fall onto rocks.
Montserrat, who was likely aged between 16 and 25, had a puncture wound between the fifth and sixth ribs. CT scans revealed extensive internal trauma, including broken ribs and a fractured shoulder blade. Experts said she may have been upright with her back against a hard surface at the time of death.
Antonio, the male specimen, had what appeared to be a stab wound to the left side of his chest. Dr David Ruiz Vela, former president of Peru’s Medical Association, said the injury had broken ribs, pierced the abdomen and caused internal bleeding.
“He has a stab that broke his ribs on the left side of his chest, penetrating the chest, abdomen, liver and completely perforating him inside,” Vela told the Peruvian news media outlets.
All three bodies have elongated skulls, three fingers and toes, and preserved internal organs such as hearts, livers, and intestines.