A young Colombian model in northeastern Colombia was killed, and the event has drawn national concern and renewed attention to the growing crisis of violence against women in Latin America.
Maria José Estupiñán, a 22-year-old student and social media influencer, was shot and killed at her home in Cúcuta on May 15. According to Magda Victoria Acosta, president of Colombia’s National Gender Commission, the attacker disguised himself as a delivery driver before committing the crime.
Estupiñán, who had previously reported domestic violence and was awaiting financial compensation, was described by Acosta as a bright, driven woman with a promising future that was abruptly ended. Acosta strongly condemned the crime and emphasized the commission’s commitment to ensuring justice is served.
Rising Fears Following Similar Attacks
The incident came just two days after the killing of Mexican beauty influencer Valeria Márquez, who was shot during a live broadcast from a salon. That case, currently under investigation as a suspected gender-based killing in Mexico’s Jalisco state, has drawn comparisons with Estupiñán’s death.
While officials have not yet classified Estupiñán’s murder as a gender-based crime, her case has become a symbol of the broader crisis facing women across the region.
Colombian model María José Estupiñán was shot point blank outside her home by a fake courier just one day after winning a domestic abuse ruling against her ex.
— BowTiedPassport 🇺🇸 🇲🇽 (@BowTiedPassport) May 18, 2025
She was about to receive a payout of 30M COP, about 7K USD. pic.twitter.com/Zz8JWboOWg
In recent years, Latin America has seen a surge in violence targeting women, with high-profile cases bringing public attention to an issue that often goes underreported.
Local media in Colombia have extensively covered Estupiñán’s murder, while social media users have voiced frustration and sorrow. Estupiñán was known for sharing glimpses of her daily life and travels on her Facebook page, where followers saw her visiting cities like New York and Los Angeles.
Widespread Gender Violence and Lack of Justice
According to Acosta, Colombia continues to see alarming levels of gender and domestic violence, often with little accountability. The National Gender Commission has recorded thousands of incidents, including sexual assault, neglect, and psychological abuse.
In Cúcuta alone, 34 women were reported missing between January and August last year, many of them underage. Across the country, at least 41 women were reported missing during that same time period. Human rights organizations warn that many survivors face significant challenges when trying to access help or legal support.
The situation has been made worse by growing instability in the region. Armed conflict in Catatumbo has forced tens of thousands of people to flee, many of whom have sought refuge in Cúcuta. In response, the Colombian military has sent more troops to the area to control the unrest.
Although authorities have not released further details about Estupiñán’s case, the killing has become part of a larger conversation about the dangers women face in Colombia and across Latin America. Activists continue to call for stronger protections and improved responses from both government institutions and law enforcement.
