Colombian model’s murder ignites anger over increasing femicides

Investigation Underway into the Murder of Colombian Models and Influencers

The recent killings of Colombian models and influencers are now being probed as potential murders, igniting widespread outrage and renewed scrutiny of the country’s ability to protect women.

Maria Jose Estupinan, a 22-year-old student, model, and influencer from Kuka in the northeast, was shot dead on May 15th. Authorities report that the assailant, disguised as a delivery person, shot Estupinan in the face when she answered the door. Surveillance footage captured the suspect fleeing the scene shortly after the incident.

“She was a young, ambitious woman with her whole life ahead of her, but her dreams were tragically cut short, just like so many others in this country,” remarked Magda Victoria Acosta, chair of the National Gender Committee of Colombia Judicial.

Investigators have confirmed that Estupinan had previously been a victim of domestic violence, and initial findings suggest the possibility of murder—specifically targeting women based on their gender.

“She had lodged multiple complaints about domestic abuse in recent years, so it could be a case of homicide, but that’s part of the ongoing investigation,” stated Colonel Leonardo Capacho of the Kukuta Police Department.

Women’s rights advocates pointed out that Estupinan had reported her former partner for violence. Just a day before her death, a judge had ruled in her favor, ordering her abuser to pay her approximately $1,554 in damages.

Many activists are accusing the Colombian government of complicity in these crimes. Alejandra Bella, director of a feminist group in Cucuta, stated that Estupinan’s murder could have been avoided, stressing that “the state has failed to act.”

“Maria Jose’s brutal death illustrates a system that normalizes violence against women,” Bella added. “Colombia is enduring a crisis; every 28 hours, a woman falls victim. Each incident highlights a disturbing pattern of impunity and negligence at a national level.”

“Maria Jose did everything the system asked of her: she reported the crimes, gathered evidence, and sought help, but ultimately, the state let her down,” Bella commented. “There aren’t effective protective orders, there’s no follow-up for abusers, and shelters are severely limited. Women remain vulnerable, and offenders know it.”

This murder appears to reflect not merely acts of violence against women but systemic gender-based murder.

According to the Colombian feminization observatory, femicides across South America have reached a concerning seven-year peak in 2024. Up until March 2025, 207 femicides had been documented, though perspectives on the statistics vary. The Attorney General noted that 640 cases were observed by November 2024.

Human Rights Watch has previously highlighted that gender-based violence in Colombia is pervasive, stating that perpetrators “rarely face consequences.”

In light of Estupinan’s murder, parallels have been drawn to the case of 23-year-old Mexican influencer Valeria Marquez, who was also shot. The Mexican authorities are now treating that incident as a murder investigation.