Juarez Predicted To Top 8,500 Orphans In 2011

Mexican researchers are predicting the violence-plagued border city of Juarez will be home to an estimated 8,500 orphans by the end of the year, according to a report by UPI.

The Autonomous University of Juarez made its estimate based on a computer model that also projected 5,000 homicides in Juarez this year, the El Paso Times said Sunday.

University researcher Alberto Ochoa said the surge of orphaned children could have “disastrous” effects and urged Mexico to quickly streamline the adoption process.

Juarez had more than 3,300 murders in 2010.