Colombian Influencer María José Estupiñán's Murder Highlights Latin America's Femicide Crisis

20 May 2025

Model and influencer María José Estupiñán was shot and killed by a man allegedly posing as a delivery man.

The tragic murder of 22-year-old Colombian model and influencer María José Estupiñán has ignited nationwide outrage and intensified scrutiny over the persistent issue of femicide in Latin America. Estupiñán was fatally shot on May 15 at her residence in Cúcuta by a man disguised as a delivery person, a method alarmingly similar to the recent killing of Mexican influencer Valeria Márquez, who was murdered during a livestream at her beauty salon in Jalisco.

Estupiñán, a university student pursuing media studies and an aspiring television presenter, had previously reported her ex-partner for domestic violence. Just a day before her death, a judge ruled in her favor, ordering her abuser to pay compensation. Despite these legal actions, authorities suspect her murder may be linked to her past relationship, highlighting systemic failures in protecting women from gender-based violence.

The incident has sparked widespread condemnation from officials, activists, and the public. Magda Victoria Acosta, president of the National Gender Commission of the Colombian Judiciary, lamented, "She was a young, enterprising woman with a whole life ahead of her, but those dreams are cut short like the dreams of many women in this country."

Statistics underscore the severity of the crisis: Colombia recorded 886 femicides in 2024, with a significant percentage remaining unsolved. Human Rights Watch has previously highlighted the widespread nature of gender-based violence in the country and the systemic issues hindering justice for victims.

Estupiñán's murder, alongside that of Márquez, underscores the urgent need for effective measures to combat femicide and protect women across Latin America. As public outcry grows, there is a renewed call for systemic reforms to address the pervasive violence against women in the region.