MEXICO: Donovan Tavera, Mexico's only forensic cleaner (43 images)

Share
twitterlinkedinfacebook
Batch Download Slideshow

  • Donovan carries out a forensic cleaning in Iztacalco, Mexico on October 16, 2015. The decomposed body of a man in his 60s was found in his bedroom a number of days after he died of a heart attack – although the deceased's own family members were unsure exactly how long he had been there. The victim's family remarked that the police had made unfounded insinuations against them, and had sought bribes. As a result they found Donovan's discretion and professionalism to be a welcome contrast. Donovan Tavera, 43, is the director of “Limpieza Forense México”, the country’s first and so far the only government-accredited forensic cleaning company. Since 2000, Tavera, a self-taught forensic technician, and his family have offered services to clean up homicides, unattended death, suicides, the homes of compulsive hoarders and houses destroyed by fire or flooding. Despite rising violence that has left 70,000 people dead and 23,000 disappeared since 2006, Mexico has only one certified forensic cleaner. As a consequence, the biological hazards associated with crime scenes are going unchecked all around the country. Photo by Bénédicte Desrus

  • The scene of a suicide in the middle-class neighborhood of Colonia del Valle, Mexico City, Mexico on April 26th, 2016, which Donovan cleaned in three hours at a charge of $475. The 65-year-old deceased --who was HIV positive-- worked as a painter, and lived on the roof of the private psychologist's clinic where he had been receiving treatment for depression. His body was discovered in the practice three days after he committed suicide, when his psychologist was alerted by the odor and the presence of flies. Donovan Tavera, 43, is the director of “Limpieza Forense México”, the country’s first and so far only government-accredited forensic cleaning company. Since 2000, Tavera, a self-taught forensic technician, and his family have offered services to clean up homicides, unattended death, suicides, the homes of compulsive hoarders and houses destroyed by fire or flooding. Despite rising violence that has left 70,000 people dead and 23,000 disappeared since 2006, Mexico has only one certified forensic cleaner. As a consequence, the biological hazards associated with crime scenes are going unchecked all around the country. Photo by Bénédicte Desrus

  • Donovan wearing his Hazmat suit in front of the scene of an unsolved homicide in Cuernavaca, Morelos – one of Mexico’s most dangerous cities on August 7, 2015. The 66-year-old victim was a retired economics lecturer from the local university, and was killed in January of this year. The cleanup took place eight months later. The victim’s family has since moved away to avoid further trouble. They remarked that justice is slow in Mexico and expressed dissatisfaction with the police investigation, but appreciated Donovan’s discretion and professionalism. Donovan Tavera, 43, is the director of “Limpieza Forense México”, the country’s first and so far the only government-accredited forensic cleaning company. Since 2000, Tavera, a self-taught forensic technician, and his family have offered services to clean up homicides, unattended death, suicides, the homes of compulsive hoarders and houses destroyed by fire or flooding. Despite rising violence that has left 70,000 people dead and 23,000 disappeared since 2006, Mexico has only one certified forensic cleaner. As a consequence, the biological hazards associated with crime scenes are going unchecked all around the country. Photo by Bénédicte Desrus

  • Close-up of Donovan wearing his ventilator mask after the cleanup of an unsolved homicide in Cuernavaca, Morelos – one of Mexico’s most dangerous cities on August 7, 2015. The 66-year-old victim was a retired economics lecturer from the local university, and was killed in January of this year. The cleanup took place eight months later. The victim’s family has since moved away to avoid further trouble. They remarked that justice is slow in Mexico and expressed dissatisfaction with the police investigation, but appreciated Donovan’s discretion and professionalism. Donovan Tavera, 43, is the director of “Limpieza Forense México”, the country’s first and so far the only government-accredited forensic cleaning company. Since 2000, Tavera, a self-taught forensic technician, and his family have offered services to clean up homicides, unattended death, suicides, the homes of compulsive hoarders and houses destroyed by fire or flooding. Despite rising violence that has left 70,000 people dead and 23,000 disappeared since 2006, Mexico has only one certified forensic cleaner. As a consequence, the biological hazards associated with crime scenes are going unchecked all around the country. Photo by Bénédicte Desrus

  • Donovan’s assistant helps Donovan get ready to begin the cleanup of an unsolved homicide in Cuernavaca, Morelos – one of Mexico’s most dangerous cities on August 7, 2015. The 66-year-old victim was a retired economics lecturer from the local university, and was killed in January of this year. The cleanup took place eight months later. The victim’s family has since moved away to avoid further trouble. They remarked that justice is slow in Mexico and expressed dissatisfaction with the police investigation, but appreciated Donovan’s discretion and professionalism. Donovan Tavera, 43, is the director of “Limpieza Forense México”, the country’s first and so far the only government-accredited forensic cleaning company. Since 2000, Tavera, a self-taught forensic technician, and his family have offered services to clean up homicides, unattended death, suicides, the homes of compulsive hoarders and houses destroyed by fire or flooding. Despite rising violence that has left 70,000 people dead and 23,000 disappeared since 2006, Mexico has only one certified forensic cleaner. As a consequence, the biological hazards associated with crime scenes are going unchecked all around the country. Photo by Bénédicte Desrus

  • Donovan using one of the 370 customized formulas which he has devised to carry out the forensic cleaning of the scene of an unsolved homicide in Cuernavaca, Morelos – one of Mexico’s most dangerous cities on August 7, 2015. The 66-year-old victim was a retired economics lecturer from the local university, and was killed in January of this year. The cleanup took place eight months later. The victim’s family has since moved away to avoid further trouble. They remarked that justice is slow in Mexico and expressed dissatisfaction with the police investigation, but appreciated Donovan’s discretion and professionalism. Donovan Tavera, 43, is the director of “Limpieza Forense México”, the country’s first and so far the only government-accredited forensic cleaning company. Since 2000, Tavera, a self-taught forensic technician, and his family have offered services to clean up homicides, unattended death, suicides, the homes of compulsive hoarders and houses destroyed by fire or flooding. Despite rising violence that has left 70,000 people dead and 23,000 disappeared since 2006, Mexico has only one certified forensic cleaner. As a consequence, the biological hazards associated with crime scenes are going unchecked all around the country. Photo by Bénédicte Desrus

  • Donovan points out chemical residues left by the pathology team sent to investigate an unsolved homicide in Cuernavaca, Morelos – one of Mexico’s most dangerous cities on August 7, 2015. According to Donovan, cleaning up after police investigative units is one of the most time-consuming elements of his job. The 66-year-old homicide victim was a retired economics lecturer from the local university, and was killed in January of this year. The cleanup took place eight months later. The victim’s family has since moved away to avoid further trouble. They remarked that justice is slow in Mexico and expressed dissatisfaction with the police investigation, but appreciated Donovan’s discretion and professionalism. Donovan Tavera, 43, is the director of “Limpieza Forense México”, the country’s first and so far the only government-accredited forensic cleaning company. Since 2000, Tavera, a self-taught forensic technician, and his family have offered services to clean up homicides, unattended death, suicides, the homes of compulsive hoarders and houses destroyed by fire or flooding. Despite rising violence that has left 70,000 people dead and 23,000 disappeared since 2006, Mexico has only one certified forensic cleaner. As a consequence, the biological hazards associated with crime scenes are going unchecked all around the country. Photo by Bénédicte Desrus

  • Donovan carries out a forensic cleaning of the scene of an unsolved homicide in Cuernavaca, Morelos – one of Mexico’s most dangerous cities on August 7, 2015. The 66-year-old victim was a retired economics lecturer from the local university, and was killed in January of this year. The cleanup took place eight months later. The victim’s family has since moved away to avoid further trouble. They remarked that justice is slow in Mexico and expressed dissatisfaction with the police investigation, but appreciated Donovan’s discretion and professionalism. Donovan Tavera, 43, is the director of “Limpieza Forense México”, the country’s first and so far the only government-accredited forensic cleaning company. Since 2000, Tavera, a self-taught forensic technician, and his family have offered services to clean up homicides, unattended death, suicides, the homes of compulsive hoarders and houses destroyed by fire or flooding. Despite rising violence that has left 70,000 people dead and 23,000 disappeared since 2006, Mexico has only one certified forensic cleaner. As a consequence, the biological hazards associated with crime scenes are going unchecked all around the country. Photo by Bénédicte Desrus

  • Donovan removes his ventilator mask after carrying out the forensic cleaning of the scene of an unsolved homicide in Cuernavaca, Morelos – one of Mexico’s most dangerous cities on August 7, 2015. The 66-year-old victim was a retired economics lecturer from the local university, and was killed in January of this year. The cleanup took place eight months later. The victim’s family has since moved away to avoid further trouble. They remarked that justice is slow in Mexico and expressed dissatisfaction with the police investigation, but appreciated Donovan’s discretion and professionalism. Donovan Tavera, 43, is the director of “Limpieza Forense México”, the country’s first and so far the only government-accredited forensic cleaning company. Since 2000, Tavera, a self-taught forensic technician, and his family have offered services to clean up homicides, unattended death, suicides, the homes of compulsive hoarders and houses destroyed by fire or flooding. Despite rising violence that has left 70,000 people dead and 23,000 disappeared since 2006, Mexico has only one certified forensic cleaner. As a consequence, the biological hazards associated with crime scenes are going unchecked all around the country. Photo by Bénédicte Desrus

  • Donovan at the wheel of his car, late at night, after giving his business cards to the city’s detective units in Mexico City on May 25, 2015. During his late-night drives, he likes to smoke, listen to AM radio songs, and watch the empty streets around him. It is a kind of ritual for him. Donovan Tavera, 43, is the director of “Limpieza Forense México”, the country’s first and so far the only government-accredited forensic cleaning company. Since 2000, Tavera, a self-taught forensic technician, and his family have offered services to clean up homicides, unattended death, suicides, the homes of compulsive hoarders and houses destroyed by fire or flooding. Despite rising violence that has left 70,000 people dead and 23,000 disappeared since 2006, Mexico has only one certified forensic cleaner. As a consequence, the biological hazards associated with crime scenes are going unchecked all around the country. Photo by Bénédicte Desrus

  • Donovan explains his work to a member of Mexico’s Federal District Police, who is guarding the apartment where journalist Rúben Espinosa and four other women were murdered in July of this year, in the middle-class neighborhood of Narvarte, Mexico City, Mexico on September 25, 2015. Donovan offers to carry out a forensic cleaning of the scene of the crime, but he is told that the investigation is still ongoing. Donovan Tavera, 43, is the director of “Limpieza Forense México”, the country’s first and so far the only government-accredited forensic cleaning company. Since 2000, Tavera, a self-taught forensic technician, and his family have offered services to clean up homicides, unattended death, suicides, the homes of compulsive hoarders and houses destroyed by fire or flooding. Despite rising violence that has left 70,000 people dead and 23,000 disappeared since 2006, Mexico has only one certified forensic cleaner. As a consequence, the biological hazards associated with crime scenes are going unchecked all around the country. Photo by Bénédicte Desrus

  • Donovan seen in the rear-view mirror of his car, late at night, after giving his business cards to the city’s detective units in Mexico City on May 25, 2015. During his late-night drives, he likes to smoke, listen to AM radio songs, and watch the empty streets around him. It is a kind of ritual for him.<br /> Donovan Tavera, 43, is the director of “Limpieza Forense México”, the country’s first and so far the only government-accredited forensic cleaning company. Since 2000, Tavera, a self-taught forensic technician, and his family have offered services to clean up homicides, unattended death, suicides, the homes of compulsive hoarders and houses destroyed by fire or flooding. Despite rising violence that has left 70,000 people dead and 23,000 disappeared since 2006, Mexico has only one certified forensic cleaner. As a consequence, the biological hazards associated with crime scenes are going unchecked all around the country. Photo by Bénédicte Desrus

  • Donovan leans on the hood of his car and smokes a cigarette behind the Attorney General’s Office in Mexico City on May 31, 2015. Donovan Tavera, 43, is the director of “Limpieza Forense México”, the country’s first and so far the only government-accredited forensic cleaning company. Since 2000, Tavera, a self-taught forensic technician, and his family have offered services to clean up homicides, unattended death, suicides, the homes of compulsive hoarders and houses destroyed by fire or flooding. Despite rising violence that has left 70,000 people dead and 23,000 disappeared since 2006, Mexico has only one certified forensic cleaner. As a consequence, the biological hazards associated with crime scenes are going unchecked all around the country. Photo by Bénédicte Desrus

  • Donovan listens to classical music on his phone while drinking coffee with his wife at their home in Texcoco, Mexico on May 21, 2015. Donovan Tavera, 43, is the director of “Limpieza Forense México”, the country’s first and so far the only government-accredited forensic cleaning company. Since 2000, Tavera, a self-taught forensic technician, and his family have offered services to clean up homicides, unattended death, suicides, the homes of compulsive hoarders and houses destroyed by fire or flooding. Despite rising violence that has left 70,000 people dead and 23,000 disappeared since 2006, Mexico has only one certified forensic cleaner. As a consequence, the biological hazards associated with crime scenes are going unchecked all around the country. Photo by Bénédicte Desrus

  • Close-up of Donovan’s forensic cleaning kit at his home in Texcoo, Mexico on September 21, 2015. The kit includes gloves and some of the 370 formulas he has devised –and memorized– in order to carry out his forensic cleaning. The chemical base for some of his formulas, he says, can cost up to $6,000. Donovan Tavera, 43, is the director of “Limpieza Forense México”, the country’s first and so far the only government-accredited forensic cleaning company. Since 2000, Tavera, a self-taught forensic technician, and his family have offered services to clean up homicides, unattended death, suicides, the homes of compulsive hoarders and houses destroyed by fire or flooding. Despite rising violence that has left 70,000 people dead and 23,000 disappeared since 2006, Mexico has only one certified forensic cleaner. As a consequence, the biological hazards associated with crime scenes are going unchecked all around the country. Photo by Bénédicte Desrus

  • Donovan prepares one of the 370 formulas he has devised –and memorized– in order to carry out his forensic cleaning, in the utility room behind the kitchen of his home in Texcoco, Mexico on September 21, 2015. The chemical base for some of his formulas, he says, can cost up to $6,000. Donovan Tavera, 43, is the director of “Limpieza Forense México”, the country’s first and so far the only government-accredited forensic cleaning company. Since 2000, Tavera, a self-taught forensic technician, and his family have offered services to clean up homicides, unattended death, suicides, the homes of compulsive hoarders and houses destroyed by fire or flooding. Despite rising violence that has left 70,000 people dead and 23,000 disappeared since 2006, Mexico has only one certified forensic cleaner. As a consequence, the biological hazards associated with crime scenes are going unchecked all around the country. Photo by Bénédicte Desrus

  • Donovan prepares one of the 370 formulas he has devised –and memorized– in order to carry out his forensic cleaning, in the utility room behind the kitchen of his home in Texcoco, Mexico on September 21, 2015. The chemical base for some of his formulas, he says, can cost up to $6,000. Donovan Tavera, 43, is the director of “Limpieza Forense México”, the country’s first and so far the only government-accredited forensic cleaning company. Since 2000, Tavera, a self-taught forensic technician, and his family have offered services to clean up homicides, unattended death, suicides, the homes of compulsive hoarders and houses destroyed by fire or flooding. Despite rising violence that has left 70,000 people dead and 23,000 disappeared since 2006, Mexico has only one certified forensic cleaner. As a consequence, the biological hazards associated with crime scenes are going unchecked all around the country. Photo by Bénédicte Desrus

  • Donovan chooses chemical formulas for his forensic cleaning kit at his home in Texcoco, Mexico on May 21, 2015. Donovan prefers not to write down or otherwise record the 370 formulas he has memorized for his work, so they cannot be stolen. Donovan Tavera, 43, is the director of “Limpieza Forense México”, the country’s first and so far the only government-accredited forensic cleaning company. Since 2000, Tavera, a self-taught forensic technician, and his family have offered services to clean up homicides, unattended death, suicides, the homes of compulsive hoarders and houses destroyed by fire or flooding. Despite rising violence that has left 70,000 people dead and 23,000 disappeared since 2006, Mexico has only one certified forensic cleaner. As a consequence, the biological hazards associated with crime scenes are going unchecked all around the country. Photo by Bénédicte Desrus

  • Cleaning formulas prepared by Donovan for a forensic cleaning in Mexico City, Mexico on January 14, 2016. These are just four of some 370 customized solutions Donovan has invented throughout his career. The bottles stand on a t-shirt outside the scene where the decomposed body of a man in his 50s was found on the floor of his mother’s bedroom, days after he had died of an intestinal obstruction. Because of her physical disability, the mother of the deceased – who had been her caregiver – was unable to move enough to make an emergency call. As a consequence, she was trapped in the room for three days with the body of her son – and without food or water - before help arrived. Donovan Tavera, 43, is the director of “Limpieza Forense México”, the country’s first and so far the only government-accredited forensic cleaning company. Since 2000, Tavera, a self-taught forensic technician, and his family have offered services to clean up homicides, unattended death, suicides, the homes of compulsive hoarders and houses destroyed by fire or flooding. Despite rising violence that has left 70,000 people dead and 23,000 disappeared since 2006, Mexico has only one certified forensic cleaner. As a consequence, the biological hazards associated with crime scenes are going unchecked all around the country. Photo by Bénédicte Desrus

  • Donovan with a cleaning formula he has prepared for a forensic cleaning in Mexico City, Mexico on January 14, 2016. This is just one of some 370 customized solutions Donovan has invented throughout his career. The bottles stand on a t-shirt outside the scene where the decomposed body of a man in his 50s was found on the floor of his mother’s bedroom, days after he had died of an intestinal obstruction. Because of her physical disability, the mother of the deceased – who had been her caregiver – was unable to move enough to make an emergency call. As a consequence, she was trapped in the room for three days with the body of her son – and without food or water - before help arrived. Donovan Tavera, 43, is the director of “Limpieza Forense México”, the country’s first and so far the only government-accredited forensic cleaning company. Since 2000, Tavera, a self-taught forensic technician, and his family have offered services to clean up homicides, unattended death, suicides, the homes of compulsive hoarders and houses destroyed by fire or flooding. Despite rising violence that has left 70,000 people dead and 23,000 disappeared since 2006, Mexico has only one certified forensic cleaner. As a consequence, the biological hazards associated with crime scenes are going unchecked all around the country. Photo by Bénédicte Desrus

  • Donovan carries out a forensic cleaning in Mexico City, Mexico on January 14, 2016. The decomposed body of a man in his 50s was found on the floor of his mother’s bedroom, days after he had died of an intestinal obstruction. Because of her physical disability, the mother of the deceased – who had been her caregiver – was unable to move enough to make an emergency call. As a consequence, she was trapped in the room for three days with the body of her son – and without food or water - before help arrived. Donovan Tavera, 43, is the director of “Limpieza Forense México”, the country’s first and so far the only government-accredited forensic cleaning company. Since 2000, Tavera, a self-taught forensic technician, and his family have offered services to clean up homicides, unattended death, suicides, the homes of compulsive hoarders and houses destroyed by fire or flooding. Despite rising violence that has left 70,000 people dead and 23,000 disappeared since 2006, Mexico has only one certified forensic cleaner. As a consequence, the biological hazards associated with crime scenes are going unchecked all around the country. Photo by Bénédicte Desrus

  • Donovan carries out a forensic cleaning in Mexico City, Mexico on January 14, 2016. The decomposed body of a man in his 50s was found on the floor of his mother’s bedroom, days after he had died of an intestinal obstruction. Because of her physical disability, the mother of the deceased – who had been her caregiver – was unable to move enough to make an emergency call. As a consequence, she was trapped in the room for three days with the body of her son – and without food or water - before help arrived. Donovan Tavera, 43, is the director of “Limpieza Forense México”, the country’s first and so far the only government-accredited forensic cleaning company. Since 2000, Tavera, a self-taught forensic technician, and his family have offered services to clean up homicides, unattended death, suicides, the homes of compulsive hoarders and houses destroyed by fire or flooding. Despite rising violence that has left 70,000 people dead and 23,000 disappeared since 2006, Mexico has only one certified forensic cleaner. As a consequence, the biological hazards associated with crime scenes are going unchecked all around the country. Photo by Bénédicte Desrus

  • A phone, a packet of cigarettes, a lighter and a note found in the bedroom where the decomposed body of a man in his 50s was found in Mexico City, Mexico on January 14, 2016. The dead man was discovered on the floor of his mother’s bedroom, days after he had died of an intestinal obstruction. Because of her physical disability, the mother of the deceased – who had been her caregiver – was unable to move enough to make an emergency call. As a consequence, she was trapped in the room for three days with the body of her son – and without food or water - before help arrived. Donovan Tavera, 43, is the director of “Limpieza Forense México”, the country’s first and so far the only government-accredited forensic cleaning company. Since 2000, Tavera, a self-taught forensic technician, and his family have offered services to clean up homicides, unattended death, suicides, the homes of compulsive hoarders and houses destroyed by fire or flooding. Despite rising violence that has left 70,000 people dead and 23,000 disappeared since 2006, Mexico has only one certified forensic cleaner. As a consequence, the biological hazards associated with crime scenes are going unchecked all around the country. Photo by Bénédicte Desrus

  • Donovan carries out a forensic cleaning in Mexico City, Mexico on January 14, 2016. The decomposed body of a man in his 50s was found on the floor of his mother’s bedroom, days after he had died of an intestinal obstruction. Because of her physical disability, the mother of the deceased – who had been her caregiver – was unable to move enough to make an emergency call. As a consequence, she was trapped in the room for three days with the body of her son – and without food or water - before help arrived. Donovan Tavera, 43, is the director of “Limpieza Forense México”, the country’s first and so far the only government-accredited forensic cleaning company. Since 2000, Tavera, a self-taught forensic technician, and his family have offered services to clean up homicides, unattended death, suicides, the homes of compulsive hoarders and houses destroyed by fire or flooding. Despite rising violence that has left 70,000 people dead and 23,000 disappeared since 2006, Mexico has only one certified forensic cleaner. As a consequence, the biological hazards associated with crime scenes are going unchecked all around the country. Photo by Bénédicte Desrus

  • Donovan using one of the 370 customized formulas which he has devised to carry out a forensic cleaning in Mexico City, Mexico on January 14, 2016. The decomposed body of a man in his 50s was found on the floor of his mother’s bedroom, days after he had died of an intestinal obstruction. Because of her physical disability, the mother of the deceased – who had been her caregiver – was unable to move enough to make an emergency call. As a consequence, she was trapped in the room for three days with the body of her son – and without food or water - before help arrived. Donovan Tavera, 43, is the director of “Limpieza Forense México”, the country’s first and so far the only government-accredited forensic cleaning company. Since 2000, Tavera, a self-taught forensic technician, and his family have offered services to clean up homicides, unattended death, suicides, the homes of compulsive hoarders and houses destroyed by fire or flooding. Despite rising violence that has left 70,000 people dead and 23,000 disappeared since 2006, Mexico has only one certified forensic cleaner. As a consequence, the biological hazards associated with crime scenes are going unchecked all around the country. Photo by Bénédicte Desrus

  • Donovan carries out a forensic cleaning in Mexico City, Mexico on January 14, 2016. The decomposed body of a man in his 50s was found on the floor of his mother’s bedroom, days after he had died of an intestinal obstruction. Because of her physical disability, the mother of the deceased – who had been her caregiver – was unable to move enough to make an emergency call. As a consequence, she was trapped in the room for three days with the body of her son – and without food or water - before help arrived. Donovan Tavera, 43, is the director of “Limpieza Forense México”, the country’s first and so far the only government-accredited forensic cleaning company. Since 2000, Tavera, a self-taught forensic technician, and his family have offered services to clean up homicides, unattended death, suicides, the homes of compulsive hoarders and houses destroyed by fire or flooding. Despite rising violence that has left 70,000 people dead and 23,000 disappeared since 2006, Mexico has only one certified forensic cleaner. As a consequence, the biological hazards associated with crime scenes are going unchecked all around the country. Photo by Bénédicte Desrus

  • Donovan parked at Mexico City’s iconic Angel of Independence monument, smoking and listening to his favorite AM radio station in Mexico City on May 25, 2015. Some nights he will spend up to an hour there, peacefully watching over the empty streets. Donovan Tavera, 43, is the director of “Limpieza Forense México”, the country’s first and so far the only government-accredited forensic cleaning company. Since 2000, Tavera, a self-taught forensic technician, and his family have offered services to clean up homicides, unattended death, suicides, the homes of compulsive hoarders and houses destroyed by fire or flooding. Despite rising violence that has left 70,000 people dead and 23,000 disappeared since 2006, Mexico has only one certified forensic cleaner. As a consequence, the biological hazards associated with crime scenes are going unchecked all around the country. Photo by Bénédicte Desrus

  • Donovan kisses his father’s hand while celebrating his 43rd birthday at his home in Texcoco, Mexico on May 9, 2015. Donovan Tavera, 43, is the director of “Limpieza Forense México”, the country’s first and so far the only government-accredited forensic cleaning company. Since 2000, Tavera, a self-taught forensic technician, and his family have offered services to clean up homicides, unattended death, suicides, the homes of compulsive hoarders and houses destroyed by fire or flooding. Despite rising violence that has left 70,000 people dead and 23,000 disappeared since 2006, Mexico has only one certified forensic cleaner. As a consequence, the biological hazards associated with crime scenes are going unchecked all around the country. Photo by Bénédicte Desrus

  • Donovan celebrates his 43rd birthday with his family at his home in Texcoco, Mexico on May 9, 2015. Donovan Tavera, 43, is the director of “Limpieza Forense México”, the country’s first and so far the only government-accredited forensic cleaning company. Since 2000, Tavera, a self-taught forensic technician, and his family have offered services to clean up homicides, unattended death, suicides, the homes of compulsive hoarders and houses destroyed by fire or flooding. Despite rising violence that has left 70,000 people dead and 23,000 disappeared since 2006, Mexico has only one certified forensic cleaner. As a consequence, the biological hazards associated with crime scenes are going unchecked all around the country. Photo by Bénédicte Desrus

  • Donovan and his assistant before carrying out a forensic cleaning in Iztacalco, Mexico on October 16, 2015. The decomposed body of a man in his 60s was found in his bedroom a number of days after he died of a heart attack – although the deceased's own family members were unsure exactly how long he had been there. The victim's family remarked that the police had made unfounded insinuations against them, and had sought bribes. As a result they found Donovan's discretion and professionalism to be a welcome contrast. Donovan Tavera, 43, is the director of “Limpieza Forense México”, the country’s first and so far the only government-accredited forensic cleaning company. Since 2000, Tavera, a self-taught forensic technician, and his family have offered services to clean up homicides, unattended death, suicides, the homes of compulsive hoarders and houses destroyed by fire or flooding. Despite rising violence that has left 70,000 people dead and 23,000 disappeared since 2006, Mexico has only one certified forensic cleaner. As a consequence, the biological hazards associated with crime scenes are going unchecked all around the country. Photo by Bénédicte Desrus

  • Donovan puts on his Hazmat suit before beginning a forensic cleaning in Iztacalco, Mexico on October 16, 2015. The decomposed body of a man in his 60s was found in his bedroom a number of days after he died of a heart attack – although the deceased's own family members were unsure exactly how long he had been there. The victim's family remarked that the police had made unfounded insinuations against them, and had sought bribes. As a result they found Donovan's discretion and professionalism to be a welcome contrast. Donovan Tavera, 43, is the director of “Limpieza Forense México”, the country’s first and so far the only government-accredited forensic cleaning company. Since 2000, Tavera, a self-taught forensic technician, and his family have offered services to clean up homicides, unattended death, suicides, the homes of compulsive hoarders and houses destroyed by fire or flooding. Despite rising violence that has left 70,000 people dead and 23,000 disappeared since 2006, Mexico has only one certified forensic cleaner. As a consequence, the biological hazards associated with crime scenes are going unchecked all around the country. Photo by Bénédicte Desrus

  • Donovan carries out a forensic cleaning in Iztacalco, Mexico on October 16, 2015. The decomposed body of a man in his 60s was found in his bedroom a number of days after he died of a heart attack – although the deceased's own family members were unsure exactly how long he had been there. The victim's family remarked that the police had made unfounded insinuations against them, and had sought bribes. As a result they found Donovan's discretion and professionalism to be a welcome contrast. Donovan Tavera, 43, is the director of “Limpieza Forense México”, the country’s first and so far the only government-accredited forensic cleaning company. Since 2000, Tavera, a self-taught forensic technician, and his family have offered services to clean up homicides, unattended death, suicides, the homes of compulsive hoarders and houses destroyed by fire or flooding. Despite rising violence that has left 70,000 people dead and 23,000 disappeared since 2006, Mexico has only one certified forensic cleaner. As a consequence, the biological hazards associated with crime scenes are going unchecked all around the country. Photo by Bénédicte Desrus

  • Donovan using one of the 370 customized formulas which he has devised to carry out a forensic cleaning in Iztacalco, Mexico on October 16, 2015. The decomposed body of a man in his 60s was found in his bedroom a number of days after he died of a heart attack – although the deceased's own family members were unsure exactly how long he had been there. The victim's family remarked that the police had made unfounded insinuations against them, and had sought bribes. As a result they found Donovan's discretion and professionalism to be a welcome contrast. Donovan Tavera, 43, is the director of “Limpieza Forense México”, the country’s first and so far the only government-accredited forensic cleaning company. Since 2000, Tavera, a self-taught forensic technician, and his family have offered services to clean up homicides, unattended death, suicides, the homes of compulsive hoarders and houses destroyed by fire or flooding. Despite rising violence that has left 70,000 people dead and 23,000 disappeared since 2006, Mexico has only one certified forensic cleaner. As a consequence, the biological hazards associated with crime scenes are going unchecked all around the country. Photo by Bénédicte Desrus

  • Donovan, pictured with his client, after completing a forensic cleaning in Iztacalco, Mexico on October 16, 2015. The decomposed body of a man in his 60s was found in his bedroom a number of days after he died of a heart attack – although the deceased's own family members were unsure exactly how long he had been there. The victim's family remarked that the police had made unfounded insinuations against them, and had sought bribes. As a result they found Donovan's discretion and professionalism to be a welcome contrast. Donovan Tavera, 43, is the director of “Limpieza Forense México”, the country’s first and so far the only government-accredited forensic cleaning company. Since 2000, Tavera, a self-taught forensic technician, and his family have offered services to clean up homicides, unattended death, suicides, the homes of compulsive hoarders and houses destroyed by fire or flooding. Despite rising violence that has left 70,000 people dead and 23,000 disappeared since 2006, Mexico has only one certified forensic cleaner. As a consequence, the biological hazards associated with crime scenes are going unchecked all around the country. Photo by Bénédicte Desrus

  • Donovan, pictured with his client, after completing a forensic cleaning in Iztacalco, Mexico on October 16, 2015. The decomposed body of a man in his 60s was found in his bedroom a number of days after he died of a heart attack – although the deceased's own family members were unsure exactly how long he had been there. The victim's family remarked that the police had made unfounded insinuations against them, and had sought bribes. As a result they found Donovan's discretion and professionalism to be a welcome contrast. Donovan Tavera, 43, is the director of “Limpieza Forense México”, the country’s first and so far the only government-accredited forensic cleaning company. Since 2000, Tavera, a self-taught forensic technician, and his family have offered services to clean up homicides, unattended death, suicides, the homes of compulsive hoarders and houses destroyed by fire or flooding. Despite rising violence that has left 70,000 people dead and 23,000 disappeared since 2006, Mexico has only one certified forensic cleaner. As a consequence, the biological hazards associated with crime scenes are going unchecked all around the country. Photo by Bénédicte Desrus

  • Donovan gives a hug to his daughter before she goes to sleep at their home in Texcoco, Mexico on February 1, 2016. Donovan Tavera, 43, is the director of “Limpieza Forense México”, the country’s first and so far the only government-accredited forensic cleaning company. Since 2000, Tavera, a self-taught forensic technician, and his family have offered services to clean up homicides, unattended death, suicides, the homes of compulsive hoarders and houses destroyed by fire or flooding. Despite rising violence that has left 70,000 people dead and 23,000 disappeared since 2006, Mexico has only one certified forensic cleaner. As a consequence, the biological hazards associated with crime scenes are going unchecked all around the country. Photo by Bénédicte Desrus

  • Donovan says goodnight to his daughter before she goes to sleep at their home in Texcoco, Mexico on February 1, 2016. Donovan Tavera, 43, is the director of “Limpieza Forense México”, the country’s first and so far the only government-accredited forensic cleaning company. Since 2000, Tavera, a self-taught forensic technician, and his family have offered services to clean up homicides, unattended death, suicides, the homes of compulsive hoarders and houses destroyed by fire or flooding. Despite rising violence that has left 70,000 people dead and 23,000 disappeared since 2006, Mexico has only one certified forensic cleaner. As a consequence, the biological hazards associated with crime scenes are going unchecked all around the country. Photo by Bénédicte Desrus

  • Donovan listens to classical music on a turntable at his home in Texcoco, Mexico on September 21, 2015. Donovan Tavera, 43, is the director of “Limpieza Forense México”, the country’s first and so far the only government-accredited forensic cleaning company. Since 2000, Tavera, a self-taught forensic technician, and his family have offered services to clean up homicides, unattended death, suicides, the homes of compulsive hoarders and houses destroyed by fire or flooding. Despite rising violence that has left 70,000 people dead and 23,000 disappeared since 2006, Mexico has only one certified forensic cleaner. As a consequence, the biological hazards associated with crime scenes are going unchecked all around the country. Photo by Bénédicte Desrus

  • Tea cups and cigarettes seen at the scene of a suicide in the middle-class neighborhood of Colonia del Valle, Mexico City, Mexico on April 26th, 2016, which Donovan cleaned in three hours at a charge of $475. The 65-year-old deceased --who was HIV positive-- worked as a painter, and lived on the roof of the private psychologist's clinic where he had been receiving treatment for depression. His body was discovered in the practice three days after he committed suicide, when his psychologist was alerted by the odor and the presence of flies. Donovan Tavera, 43, is the director of “Limpieza Forense México”, the country’s first and so far only government-accredited forensic cleaning company. Since 2000, Tavera, a self-taught forensic technician, and his family have offered services to clean up homicides, unattended death, suicides, the homes of compulsive hoarders and houses destroyed by fire or flooding. Despite rising violence that has left 70,000 people dead and 23,000 disappeared since 2006, Mexico has only one certified forensic cleaner. As a consequence, the biological hazards associated with crime scenes are going unchecked all around the country. Photo by Bénédicte Desrus

  • Donovan carries out a forensic cleaning in the middle-class neighborhood of Colonia del Valle, Mexico City, Mexico on April 26th, 2016. The 65-year-old deceased --who was HIV positive-- worked as a painter, and lived on the roof of the private psychologist's clinic where he had been receiving treatment for depression. His body was discovered in the practice three days after he committed suicide, when his psychologist was alerted by the odor and the presence of flies. Donovan Tavera, 43, is the director of “Limpieza Forense México”, the country’s first and so far the only government-accredited forensic cleaning company. Since 2000, Tavera, a self-taught forensic technician, and his family have offered services to clean up homicides, unattended death, suicides, the homes of compulsive hoarders and houses destroyed by fire or flooding. Despite rising violence that has left 70,000 people dead and 23,000 disappeared since 2006, Mexico has only one certified forensic cleaner. As a consequence, the biological hazards associated with crime scenes are going unchecked all around the country. Photo by Bénédicte Desrus

  • A wallet and an identity card found at the scene of a suicide in the middle-class neighborhood of Colonia del Valle, Mexico City, Mexico on April 26th, 2016, which Donovan cleaned in three hours at a charge of $475. The 65-year-old deceased --who was HIV positive-- worked as a painter, and lived on the roof of the private psychologist's clinic where he had been receiving treatment for depression. His body was discovered in the practice three days after he committed suicide, when his psychologist was alerted by the odor and the presence of flies. Donovan Tavera, 43, is the director of “Limpieza Forense México”, the country’s first and so far only government-accredited forensic cleaning company. Since 2000, Tavera, a self-taught forensic technician, and his family have offered services to clean up homicides, unattended death, suicides, the homes of compulsive hoarders and houses destroyed by fire or flooding. Despite rising violence that has left 70,000 people dead and 23,000 disappeared since 2006, Mexico has only one certified forensic cleaner. As a consequence, the biological hazards associated with crime scenes are going unchecked all around the country. Photo by Bénédicte Desrus

  • Donovan leaves a house in the middle-class neighborhood of Colonia del Valle, Mexico City, Mexico after cleaning up the scene of a suicide on April 26th, 2016. The 65-year-old deceased --who was HIV positive-- worked as a painter, and lived on the roof of the private psychologist's clinic where he had been receiving treatment for depression. His body was discovered in the practice three days after he committed suicide, when his psychologist was alerted by the odor and the presence of flies. Donovan Tavera, 43, is the director of “Limpieza Forense México”, the country’s first and so far only government-accredited forensic cleaning company. Since 2000, Tavera, a self-taught forensic technician, and his family have offered services to clean up homicides, unattended death, suicides, the homes of compulsive hoarders and houses destroyed by fire or flooding. Despite rising violence that has left 70,000 people dead and 23,000 disappeared since 2006, Mexico has only one certified forensic cleaner. As a consequence, the biological hazards associated with crime scenes are going unchecked all around the country. Photo by Bénédicte Desrus

© Bénédicte Desrus Photography
Powered by PhotoShelter