The bodies of Carmarena and Zavala were found wrapped in plastic bags at the side of the road near the ranch. After many delays, an autopsy was performed and various evidence was collected, including soil samples.

On February 7, 1985, DEA special agent Enrique Carmarena was abducted in Guadalajara. Later that day, Captain Alfredo Zavala was abducted near the Guadalajara Airport. An investigation was launched.

Later, the MFJP informed the DEA that they had found the complex where Carmarena had been held. The DEA discovered through forensic evidence that Carmarena was tortured in a shed near the house.

Some MFJP officials were paid by drug traffickers to plant the bodies of Carmarena and Zavala at a ranch held by a different gang in order to end the investigation early. However, the bodies were not moved into place before the DEA arrived.

After two bodies were found in La Primavera Park, the DEA took soil samples from that area and found that they matched with soil samples on Carmarena's body, suggesting this is where he was originally buried.

At the trial, forensic evidence was presented along with extensive testimonies. All of the defendants were found guilty and are serving long prison sentences.