Two bodies identified as Australian surfers Dean Lucas and Adam Coleman have been returned to the Australian consulate in Mexico.
The two men, who had been travelling through Mexico, were found in the Sinaloa state on November 21 in an area plagued by drug-related gang violence.
Their charred bodies were found inside a burnt out van registered to Mr Lucas and were identified through DNA.
AFP reported state prosecuters believe the van was intercepted by a gang vehicle with flashing police-like lights.
Mr Coleman was shot in the face when he tried to resist, they reported, and then Mr Lucas was killed.
Three people have been arrested and authorities are still searching for two others.
The bodies were returned on Thursday and will now continue their journey to Australia with the help of fundraising efforts from family and friends.
