DEMING, N.M. -- The Luna County Sheriff's Department said four burned human bodies have been found in a ranch house about 30 miles southwest of Palomas, Mexico.

Captain Arturo Baeza said Mexican officials have not been able to determine the identity or gender of the bodies.

He said a Mexican rancher discovered the bodies after he had lost contact with one of his ranch hands and had gone to investigate.

Baeza said the house where the bodies were found was not burned.

He said there have been numerous reports of people missing in the Palomas area.