Young model's body found in mass grave after kidnapping

The body of a model has reportedly been found in a shallow mass grave after being kidnapped while shopping with her mum and cousin.

Yessenia Estefania Alvarado, 24, was forced into a van on August 19 and a month later was reported to be among remains discovered in a grave in Sonora, in Mexico’s northwest, according to The Independent.

Police located the grave about two weeks ago after several kidnappings saw residents of Sonora take to the streets in protest.

The model, who also had a young son, was confirmed as one of the victims this week following a process of DNA and forensic testing, local reports said.

Bones of six bodies were found in the grave including three females, two males and one whose gender could not be determined.

• Baby dies after pram rolls down hill and hits car in 'freak accident'

• 'Horrific act': Manhunt after pet cat caught in illegal backyard trap

• Body of teen girl who vanished after shopping trip found in stream

Three of the alleged perpetrators had so far been detained, police said in a statement.

“It’s worth mentioning that based on this investigation, the Sonora FGJE (the state's prosecutor's office) has been able to find, apprehend and get a court order to temporarily remand three presumed perpetrators,” the statement read.

Ms Alvarado’s Juan Carlos Alvarado Rivera brother shared a heartbreaking post to Facebook after hearing the news of his sister’s death.

“We’re going to take care of your son, just like you were doing. With so much love. He’s going to miss you so much, but we will always remind him of what a wonderful mother you were,” the post read.

He also shared a series of photos of himself and his sister together, describing her his “life partner” in another post.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play.