Femicide Outrage Grows After Model Killings Colombia, Mexico

The recent murders of young social media influencers Valeria Márquez in Mexico and María José Estupiñán in Colombia have reignited widespread outrage and brought renewed focus to the persistent problem of femicide in Latin America. Márquez was fatally shot during a live TikTok stream in her beauty salon, while Estupiñán was killed at her home by a man disguised as a delivery worker; both cases highlight the vulnerability of women even with public profiles and prior reports of domestic violence. Authorities in Mexico have classified Márquez's death as femicide, and Colombian officials are investigating Estupiñán's murder as a possible femicide, noting her previous complaints against an abusive ex-partner. Experts and activists emphasize that most femicides are perpetrated by men known to the victims and call attention to systemic issues, including impunity and state negligence, that perpetuate gender-based violence. Despite decades of legal reforms across the region, the rate of femicide remains alarmingly high, with Colombia recording nearly 900 femicides last year and countries like Honduras and the Dominican Republic having some of the highest rates. The killings have catalyzed public condemnation and demands for better protection of women, revealing deep societal and institutional challenges in addressing gender violence.