Disappearance of Marcela Basteri (Italy/US)
Reports emerged in March 2026 that remains believed to be Marcela Basteri's were found in Spain during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a DNA test allegedly confirming her identity, according to a friend of Alejandro Basteri. As of July 22, 2026, Luis Miguel has reportedly reactivated private investigations into his mother's 1986 disappearance, despite conflicting claims that she is alive in Argentina. Journalist Luis Ventura affirmed on February 1, 2026, that Basteri resides in Argentina, providing a specific address, while a new testimony on January 31, 2026, claimed she is in an Argentine psychiatric facility, leading to authorization for a DNA test for a potential match. Marcela Basteri was reportedly declared legally dead in a Mexico City court in 2022, though justice authorities denied claims in December 2024 that she is alive and interned in Argentina.
Timeline
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July 2026 — 1 developments
Luis Miguel Reactivates Private Investigations into Mother's 1986 Disappearance
Luis Miguel has reportedly reactivated private investigations into the 1986 disappearance of his mother, Marcela Basteri. The Netflix series "Luis Miguel: The Series" explored this mystery, showing Luis Miguel searching for his mother. Despite numerous theories, her whereabouts remain unknown.
March 2026 — 1 developments
Marcela Basteri's remains reportedly found in Spain, DNA test confirms identity
Reports from March 2026 suggest that remains believed to be Marcela Basteri's were found in Spain during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a DNA test allegedly confirming the identity. These claims were reportedly shared by a friend of Alejandro Basteri, who stated his brother confirmed the discovery.
February 2026 — 1 developments
Journalist Luis Ventura claims Marcela Basteri is alive in Argentina, provides address
Journalist Luis Ventura affirmed Marcela Basteri is alive and resides in Argentina, providing a specific address for her whereabouts and suggesting Luis Miguel has used doubles in his concerts.
January 2026 — 2 developments
DNA Test Authorized for Woman Claiming to Be Marcela Basteri in Argentina
A new testimony has emerged claiming to confirm Marcela Basteri is alive and admitted to a psychiatric facility in Argentina, leading to reports that a DNA test has been authorized for a woman who could potentially be her.
Luis Miguel recorded entering psychiatric hospital in Buenos Aires, raising questions about mother's whereabouts
A video report questions Luis Miguel's knowledge of his mother's whereabouts, claiming he was recorded entering a psychiatric hospital in Buenos Aires in December 2024 without security. This raises speculation about whom he visited and what information he may be concealing.
December 2025 — 2 developments
Argentine Judiciary Approved Urgent DNA Test for Marcela Basteri in October 2023
The Argentine judiciary approved an urgent DNA test in October 2023 to compare genetic samples from Marcela Basteri's cousins with a woman believed to be Honorina Montes, who a cousin claims is Marcela. As of early 2025, no results have been released from this test.
Alejandro Basteri posts emotional tribute to mother Marcela Basteri on Instagram
Luis Miguel's brother, Alejandro Basteri, posted an emotional tribute on Instagram for his mother Marcela Basteri's birthday on December 10, 2025, expressing how much he misses her. This marks a new public action by a family member related to her disappearance.
December 2024 — 1 developments
Justice Authorities Deny Claims Marcela Basteri is Alive in Argentine Psychiatric Hospital
Justice authorities have denied claims that Marcela Basteri is alive and interned in a psychiatric hospital in Argentina, despite ongoing public speculation.
October 2024 — 1 developments
Alejandro Basteri asks press to stop speculating on mother's whereabouts
Alejandro Basteri, Luis Miguel's brother, publicly asked the press to cease speculation regarding his mother Marcela Basteri's death, stating he does not know her whereabouts. This statement comes after various publications reported he had confirmed her death.
September 2024 — 1 developments
Marcela Basteri Declared Legally Dead in Mexico City Court in 2022
Marcela Basteri was reportedly declared legally dead in a Mexico City court in 2022, a significant procedural development in her disappearance case. Additionally, Luis Miguel's brother, Alejandro Basteri, publicly denied claims that his mother was in a convent.
March 2024 — 2 developments
Luis Miguel's Cousin Claims Marcela Basteri Is Alive, Contradicting Death Theories
A supposed cousin of Luis Miguel, Lorena Della Torre, claimed in March 2024 that she regularly visits Marcela Basteri, contradicting theories of her death and suggesting she is alive.
Argentine Authorities Authorize DNA Test for Honorina Montes
Authorities in Argentina have authorized a DNA test for Honorina Montes, a patient in a Buenos Aires psychiatric hospital, due to her strong resemblance to Marcela Basteri.
May 2023 — 1 developments
Luis Miguel Posts Rare Photo With Mother Marcela Basteri on Instagram for Mexican Mother's Day
Luis Miguel posts a rare photo of himself with his mother, Marcela Basteri, on Instagram for Mexican Mother's Day, an emotional tribute that draws significant media and fan attention to her disappearance.
March 2021 — 2 developments
Marcela Basteri's aunt alleges Luisito Rey wanted Marcela for Swiss bank access
New details emerged from Marcela Basteri's aunt, Adua, alleging that Luisito Rey wanted Marcela to go to Spain for access to Swiss bank accounts and that an unsent letter containing money was intended for her father.
Italian Program "Chi l'ha visto?" Investigates New Lead in Marcela Basteri Case
The Italian program "Chi l'ha visto?" revisited Marcela Basteri's case in March 2021, investigating a new lead from a niece regarding a photograph of a homeless woman in Argentina who resembled Basteri.
January 2019 — 1 developments
Andres Garcia claims Luisito Rey involved in Marcela's murder and burial
Alleged family friend and actor, Andres Garcia, claims to be '90 percent almost sure where they killed Marcela,' suggesting Luisito Rey was involved in her murder and burial.
July 2018 — 1 developments
Argentina's justice system files first missing person report in Marcela Basteri case
Argentina's justice system files the first official missing person report related to Marcela Basteri's case, following a legal complaint from relatives demanding a DNA test.
April 2018 — 1 developments
Netflix series 'Luis Miguel: La Serie' premieres, renewing interest in mother's disappearance
The Netflix series 'Luis Miguel: La Serie' premieres, dramatizing the singer's life, including his relentless search for his mother, bringing renewed public attention to Marcela Basteri's disappearance.
January 2004 — 1 developments
Marcela Basteri's aunt, Adua Basteri, states belief Marcela was killed by husband
Marcela Basteri's aunt, Adua Basteri, publicly states her belief that Marcela was killed by her husband, Luisito Rey.
January 2002 — 1 developments
Mexican Court Declares Marcela Basteri Legally Dead After 15 Years Missing
A Mexican court legally declares Marcela Basteri dead, allowing her family to settle her estate and her children to inherit her assets, based on her being missing for over 15 years with no evidence of her being alive.
January 1992 — 1 developments
Luis Miguel's Father, Luisito Rey, Dies in Spain
Luisito Rey, Marcela Basteri's estranged husband and Luis Miguel's father, dies in Spain. He had often suggested Basteri ran away with a lover, and Luis Miguel reportedly refused to see him on his deathbed.
June 1987 — 1 developments
Basteri's Sons Contact Aunt After Mother's Nine-Month Disappearance
Nine months after her disappearance, Basteri's sons contact her aunt, trying to locate their mother, indicating she had not returned as promised. The aunt's attempts to contact Luisito Rey and his stepmother are unsuccessful.
September 1986 — 1 developments
Basteri contacts aunt, states she is traveling to Chile with family and will return in a month
Approximately twenty to twenty-five days after her last sighting, Basteri calls her aunt, stating she is going to Chile with her son and husband and would return in a month. This is the last known contact from her.
August 1986 — 1 developments
Marcela Basteri last seen by family at Pisa airport before flight to Madrid
Marcela Basteri is last seen by her family in Italy as they take her to Pisa airport for a flight to Madrid, Spain, where she was reportedly going to meet her estranged husband, Luisito Rey, to sign papers related to Luis Miguel's career.
September 1985 — 1 developments
Marcela Basteri last seen with son Luis Miguel at Buenos Aires concert
Marcela Basteri is last publicly seen with her son, Luis Miguel, during his concert at Luna Park in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where he dedicates a song to her.