The vibrant life of María José Estupiñán Sánchez, a 22-year-old Colombian social media influencer and university student, was tragically cut short this week when she was shot dead outside her residence in the northeastern city of Cúcuta. The brutal incident, which occurred on the morning of Wednesday, May 15th, has sent shockwaves through the local community and the wider social media sphere, drawing parallels to the recent killing of a Mexican influencer under similar circumstances.
According to initial reports from local media outlets, the assailant approached Estupiñán, known online as “La Mona,” posing as a delivery man carrying a fake gift. As she opened her door, the individual opened fire at point-blank range, hitting her in the face and chest. The horrifying event was reportedly captured by a nearby security camera, which also recorded the suspect fleeing the scene on foot.
Colonel Leonardo Capacho, commander of the Cúcuta Metropolitan Police, confirmed the details of the attack, stating, “She was killed by a man who pretended to be delivering a package.” Estupiñán was rushed to a local hospital for urgent medical attention but tragically succumbed to her injuries shortly after arrival.
The motive behind this shocking crime is currently under intense investigation by authorities. However, a significant lead has emerged: the murder took place just one day after Estupiñán had reportedly won a legal case against her former partner related to domestic violence. The court had ordered her ex-boyfriend to pay her 30 million Colombian pesos (approximately $7,120 USD) in compensation. As a result, the ex-boyfriend is now considered a primary suspect in the ongoing investigation, although no arrests have been made at this time.
Magda Victoria Acosta, president of the National Gender Commission of the Judicial Branch, expressed her strong condemnation of the crime during a press conference in Cúcuta, labeling it a “tragic loss.” She emphasized that Estupiñán had sought help from the state and had “activated all protective measures” in response to prior abuse and stalking. “The Colombian State has failed this young woman,” Acosta stated, highlighting the urgent need to address the pervasive issue of gender-based violence in the country.
Estupiñán was a seventh-semester student of Social Communication at the Francisco de Paula Santander University (UFPS) and was actively building a presence as a model and lifestyle influencer on social media platforms. Her posts, which often showcased her travels and daily life, had garnered her a considerable following. The university issued a statement expressing their profound grief and rejecting all forms of violence.
The tragic circumstances of Estupiñán’s death bear a chilling resemblance to the recent murder of Mexican beauty influencer Valeria Márquez, who was also shot dead by a man posing as a delivery driver during a live stream just days prior. These two incidents have ignited widespread concern and outrage across Latin America, underscoring the persistent and critical issue of violence against women.
As authorities in Cúcuta continue their investigation, the focus remains on apprehending the suspect, who was reportedly seen in security footage wearing a black cap, jacket, and jeans, and carrying a backpack. The community mourns the loss of a young woman full of potential, and the demand for justice grows louder as the investigation unfolds. The case serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for stronger measures to protect women and hold perpetrators of violence accountable.