A Colombian influencer is murdered in the same way as another Mexican influencer

The assassination of Colombian influencer María José Estupiñán, known as La Mona, has shocked the nation and raised serious concerns about violence against women in Colombia. Estupiñán, a 22-year-old social media personality and university student, was fatally shot outside her home in Cúcuta on May 15, 2025. The incident occurred when she went to receive what she believed was a delivery of chocolates, only to be confronted by a man posing as a delivery worker who opened fire at close range.

María José Estupiñán was a rising figure in the influencer community, using her platform to promote fashion and empowerment. She was also a student of Communication Social at the University Francisco de Paula Santander. Just a day before her murder, she had won a court case against her ex-boyfriend for domestic violence, which included a court-ordered compensation of 30 million Colombian pesos (approximately $7,000 USD). This legal victory has led investigators to consider the possibility that her assassination was a targeted act of femicide linked to her previous relationship and the ongoing legal issues surrounding it.

Details of the femicide

The shooting took place in broad daylight in the El Bosque neighborhood of Cúcuta. Security footage captured the moment the assailant approached Estupiñán, shot her multiple times, and then fled the scene. Eyewitness accounts describe the chaos that ensued, with her mother present during the attack, expressing horror at the violence.

Authorities are actively investigating the case, focusing on the ex-boyfriend as a potential suspect due to the history of domestic violence and threats against Estupiñán. The police have released images from the security footage to aid in identifying the shooter, who remains at large.

Wider Implications

Estupiñán's murder is part of a troubling trend of violence against women in Latin America, particularly those in the public eye. Her death follows closely on the heels of the assassination of another influencer, Valeria Márquez, who was killed in a similar manner just days earlier. These incidents highlight the urgent need for societal and legal reforms to protect women from gender-based violence and to address the systemic issues that allow such crimes to occur.

The Colombian community, including her university and various advocacy groups, has expressed outrage and called for justice, emphasizing the need for greater protection for women facing domestic violence and harassment.

Coincidences with the femicide of Valeria Márquez

The murders of María José Estupiñán, the Colombian content creator and Valeria Márquez, a Mexican influencer, share several alarming similarities that highlight a disturbing trend of violence against women in Latin America.

Both Estupiñán and Márquez were killed by assailants who posed as delivery personnel. Estupiñán was shot outside her home in Cúcuta by a man pretending to deliver chocolates, while Márquez was murdered in her beauty salon by a man who entered under the pretense of delivering a gift during a TikTok livestream. This tactic of deception underscores a calculated approach by the perpetrators, aiming to gain the victims' trust before committing the act of violence.

Both murders occurred in contexts marked by previous threats and domestic violence. Estupiñán had recently won a court case against her ex-boyfriend for domestic abuse, which included a substantial financial settlement. This legal victory may have motivated her murder, as it was closely linked to her ongoing struggles with her ex-partner. Similarly, Márquez had expressed fears about her safety shortly before her death, indicating that she was aware of potential threats against her life. Both cases are being investigated as femicides, reflecting the broader issue of gender-based violence in the region.

The killings of both influencers have sparked significant outrage and concern across social media and traditional news outlets. The shocking nature of their deaths—particularly Márquez's murder during a live broadcast—has drawn attention to the risks faced by women in the public eye. Both incidents have led to calls for justice and greater protections for women, highlighting the urgent need for societal change to address the systemic violence that targets women in Latin America.

Final thoughts

These murders are part of a troubling pattern in which young women, especially those with a public presence, become targets of violence. The similarities in the circumstances surrounding Estupiñán's and Márquez's deaths illustrate a broader societal issue where women are increasingly at risk, often facing violence from intimate partners or individuals connected to their past relationships. The public outcry following their deaths reflects a growing awareness and demand for action against gender-based violence in the region.

The tragic similarities between the murders of María José Estupiñán and Valeria Márquez not only highlight the dangers faced by women in the influencer community but also underscore the urgent need for societal and legal reforms to combat gender-based violence in Latin America.