Violence Against Women in the Spotlight as Colombian Model, Mexican Influencer Killed Days Apart

Colombian Model’s Murder, Just Days After Mexican Influencer Shot on Live Stream, Sparks Condemnation of Femicide

The murder of 22-year-old Colombian model and influencer Maria Jose Estupinan has sent shockwaves through the country, drawing parallels to the killing of Mexican beauty influencer Valeria Marquez just days earlier. Both cases have reignited discussions about the alarming rates of femicide in Latin America.

A Tragic Pattern of Violence

Estupinan was killed on May 15 in her home in Cucuta, near the Venezuelan border. Authorities say the suspect, disguised as a delivery man, shot her when she opened the door. She had previously been a victim of domestic violence and was about to receive compensation for her case. Officials have condemned the crime and vowed to deliver justice.

Her murder comes just two days after Marquez was shot during a live stream at a beauty salon in Mexico’s Jalisco state. The 23-year-old influencer had voiced concerns about her safety moments before she was killed. Mexican authorities are investigating her death as a suspected femicide.

Rising Concerns Over Femicide

Femicide—the killing of women due to gender-based violence—remains a critical issue in Latin America. In Mexico alone, a quarter of female homicides in 2020 were investigated as femicides. Colombia has also seen widespread gender-based violence, with survivors facing significant obstacles in seeking justice.

Human rights organizations have called for stronger protections for women and more accountability for perpetrators. The murders of Estupinan and Marquez have sparked protests and renewed demands for systemic change.

What’s Next?

Authorities in both Colombia and Mexico continue their investigations, but activists argue that justice must go beyond individual cases. As public outrage grows, governments face increasing pressure to implement policies that effectively combat gender-based violence.

The deaths of Estupinan and Marquez serve as stark reminders of the dangers women face daily. Their stories have become rallying cries for change, as Latin America grapples with the ongoing crisis of femicide.