Latest news with #Cucuta
Daily Mail
19-05-2025
- Daily Mail
Horror as Colombian model, 22, is shot dead by hitman posing as a delivery driver with a fake present - as chilling video shows killer running away as victim's mother screams
A Colombian model and influencer has been brutally shot dead by a hitman posing as a delivery driver, just days after a Mexican beauty guru was murdered while livestreaming to her followers. María José Estupiñán, 22, was shot at point-blank range as she stepped outside her home in Colombia's northeastern city of Cucuta on Thursday. Chilling CCTV footage captured from outside her home shows the moment that Estupiñán was struck, as gunshots can be heard ringing out in the background. The gunman can then be seen sprinting down the street, as Sanchez's mother screams in horror and desperately cries out: 'No, not my daughter!'. Her tragic killing has sent shock waves through Colombia and draws parallels to the violent murder of Mexican beauty influencer Valeria Marquez, who was gunned down by a hitman last Tuesday in her salon in Zapopan. Estupiñán, a university student, had been the victim of a domestic violence case and was due to receive a pay-out from her ex partner, according to local media. The 22-year-old was studying at the Francisco de Paula Santander University and had aspirations of becoming a TV presenter. 'From the university community, we reject all forms of violence that extinguish the dreams of our young people,' a spokesperson for her university said in a statement. 'We stand in solidarity with the families, friends, and classmates to whom we extend our deepest condolences.' Estupiñán was also modelling for a local agency and ran an online business selling sportswear and lingerie. Speaking at a press conference about Estupiñán's murder, Magda Victoria Acosta, president of the National Gender Commission of the Colombian Judiciary, said the suspect had been disguised as a delivery man and shot her when she opened the door. 'She was a young, enterprising woman with a whole life ahead of her, but those dreams are cut short like the dreams of many women in this country,' Acosta said. Colombian authorities are currently investigating her murder. In Mexico, police continue to investigate influencer Marquez's murder under the country's femicide protocol, with her senseless killing being just another example of the high levels of gender-based violence in Latin America. Marquez had also previously claimed that she was being threatened, stating that her ex-boyfriend should be held 'responsible for anything that happens to me and my family.' Footage shows the horrific moment the gunman stormed into the salon and opened fire on the social media star last week, striking her once in the chest and twice in the head before dropping dead. Estupiñán, a university student, was also modelling for a local agency and ran an online business selling sportswear and lingerie The influencer was known for sharing beauty and lifestyle videos with her 110,000 TikTok followers. Mexico has long been plagued by 'machismo' and violence against women, which can range from comments on the street to, in its most extreme form, acid attacks and brutal slayings of women. Marquez's callous killing is also the latest in a spate of cartel violence that has claimed the life of three other Mexican influencers. In October, TikToker Juan Carlos Lopez was killed by two hitmen while recording a video. In November, YouTuber Jesus Miguel Vivanco Garcia was found dead on a roadside with 70 bullet wounds and signs of torture. The following month, internet star Leobardo Aisputo Soto was murdered in broad daylight after a group of armed men shot at him while he walked in the street with his wife. Marquez's horrific murder also comes days after a Mexican mayoral candidate was tragically shot dead alongside three of her supporters including her daughter during a live broadcast of her campaign rally. The influencer was known for sharing beauty and lifestyle videos with her 110,000 TikTok followers Yesenia Lara Gutierrez, representing Mexico's ruling Morena party, was gunned down in the eastern Mexican state of Veracruz on Sunday night as she greeted residents in the streets of Texistepec. The horrifying incident was captured on a Facebook livestream, showing people running and screaming as gunshots rang out off camera. Mexican newspaper Reforma reported that the candidate was greeting 'women with children in their arms' when the gunfire began. Footage posted online depicted the chaos, with at least 20 shots head in the clip that was still available on Gutierrez's Facebook page the following day. Other images shared online appeared to show bodies in the street.
The Sun
19-05-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Horror as influencer model Maria Jose Estupinan, 22, shot dead at her door by hitman dressed as delivery driver
A SOCIAL media influencer was brutally shot dead by a man posing as a courier at her home in Colombia. María José Estupiñán Sánchez, 22, was shot at point-blank range after being approached by a man with a fake package. 3 3 3 The tragic shooting happened as she stepped outside her home in the La Riviera neighbourhood of Cucuta - close to the Venezuelan border. The bullet hit her directly in the right cheekbone, according to local media. Security camera footage from the neighbourhood shows the alleged suspect running away following the shooting. Estupiñán was taken to hospital soon after the incident, but sadly died from her injuries. "She was killed by a man who pretended to be delivering a package," Colonel Leonardo Capacho of Cucuta's Metropolitan Police said. Cops believe her death could be linked to a hearing she attended earlier in the month, in which she reportedly testified against her ex-partner in a domestic violence case. She may have been set to receive a payout of 30 million COP (£5,400), NDTV has reported. The ex-boyfriend is now being probed as a key suspect in the case, but no arrests have been confirmed so far. A suspect seen in the security footage was seen wearing a black cap with a jacket, jeans, and a backpack. Estupiñán was in her seventh term studying media studies at the Francisco de Paula Santander University at the time of her tragic death. She had aspired to become a TV presenter, and worked as a model alongside her studies. A spokesperson for her university said: 'From the university community, we reject all forms of violence that extinguish the dreams of our young people. 'We stand in solidarity with the families, friends, and classmates to whom we extend our deepest condolences.' Magda Victoria Acosta, president of the National Gender Commission of the Colombian Judiciary, said: 'She was a young, enterprising woman with a whole life ahead of her, but those dreams are cut short like the dreams of many women in this country." According to campaign group Human Rights Watch, gender-based violence is "widespread" in Colombia. Its 2023 report into the country says: "Lack of training and poor implementation of treatment protocols impede timely access to medical services and create obstacles for women and girls seeking post-violence care and justice. "Perpetrators of gender-based crimes are rarely held accountable." It comes just days after a TikTok star was shot dead in Mexico during a livestream. Valeria Marquez, 23, died when a man entered her beauty salon "and fired a gun at her", prosecutors say. It happened at the salon where she worked in the city of Zapopan, in the state of Jalisco. Global News called her death a "brazen killing which has sent shockwaves through Mexico." Prosecutors have said the incident is being treated as a femicide - the killing of a woman for gender-based reasons. If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or chat at Domestic abuse DOMESTIC abuse can affect anyone - including men - and does not always involve physical violence. Here are some signs that you could be in an abusive relationship: Emotional abuse - Including being belittled, blamed for the abuse - gaslighting - being isolated from family and friends, having no control over your finances, what you where and who you speak to Threats and intimidation - Some partners might threaten to kill or hurt you, destroy your belongings, stalk or harass you Physical abuse - This can range from slapping or hitting to being shoved over, choked or bitten. Sexual abuse - Being touched in a way you do not want to be touched, hurt during sex, pressured into sex or forced to have sex when you do not consent. If any of the above apply to you or a friend, you can call these numbers: Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or chat at in the US If you are in immediate danger or fear for your life, always ring 999 in the UK The Freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge on 0808 2000 247 for free at any time, day or night Those who identify as LGBT+ can ring Galop on 0800 999 5428 Remember, you are not alone. 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will experience domestic abuse over the course of their lifetime. Every 30 seconds the police receive a call for help relating to domestic abuse.
Al Bawaba
19-05-2025
- Al Bawaba
Video: Colombian influencer La Mona shot dead outside her home
Published May 19th, 2025 - 10:59 GMT ALBAWABA - 22-year-old Colombian influencer Maria Jose Estupinan Sanchez, best known as "La Mona," was tragically shot dead outside her home in Cucuta, Colombia, earlier this week, sparking widespread anger across social media. According to local news outlet Noticias Caracol, the man disguised as a delivery person approached La Mona with a fake present, then shot her dead after closing the distance. A video of the horrifying incident flooded social media, capturing the sound of two gunshots as the Colombian influencer's screams echoed across the area. Colombian influencer "La Mona" was tragically shot outside her home at just 22. The assailant approached with a box of chocolates, claiming it was a gift. After she took one, he opened fire, leaving gunshots and screams in his wake. 😳💔 🕊️ — Rain Drops Media (@Raindropsmedia1) May 18, 2025 Local reports added that Sanchez was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to her wounds later. According to the Cucuta Metropolitan Police and security footage, Sanchez was shot at around 1 PM before the suspect fled the scene on foot. Additionally, reports claim that this comes after Sanchez won a domestic abuse case against her boyfriend and secured a payout of 30 million COP (around $7,000). Local police have named Sanchez's ex-boyfriend as the main suspect behind the tragic shooting, though the investigations are still ongoing. The suspect has been described as a man wearing a black cap, jeans, and a backpack. Last week, a similar incident took the internet by storm after a 23-year-old Mexican influencer called Valeria Marquez was shot dead while livestreaming on TikTok. A video of the incident went viral on social media, causing panic among her fans. Several social media users condemned both acts and urged the influencers' local governments to take the proper action against the suspects. © 2000 - 2025 Al Bawaba (
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Yahoo
Colombian model's murder, just days after Mexican influencer shot on live stream, sparks condemnation of femicide
The murder of a 22-year-old model and influencer in Colombia has sent shock waves through the country and drawn parallels to the killing of a Mexican influencer last week, highlighting the high rates of femicide in Latin America. Maria Jose Estupinan, a university student in Colombia's northeastern city of Cucuta, close to the Venezuela border, was killed on May 15, according to Magda Victoria Acosta, president of the National Gender Commission of the Colombian Judiciary. Speaking at a news conference, Acosta said the suspect, disguised as a delivery man, shot Estupinan in her home when she opened the door. 'She was a young, enterprising woman with a whole life ahead of her, but those dreams are cut short like the dreams of many women in this country,' Acosta said. Estupinan had been the victim of a domestic violence case and was about to receive compensation for it, Acosta added. She said the commission 'very strongly' condemned the crime and would work to deliver justice. Authorities are investigating the killing. CNN has reached out to the Colombian National Police and prosecutor's office for more information. Estupinan's Facebook page showed photos of her travels and daily life, including trips to New York and California, and of her posing by the pool or at the gym. The case has been covered widely by local media and spread on social media, with many comparing it to the May 13 shooting of 23-year-old beauty influencer Valeria Marquez in Mexico. Just days before Estupinan's death, Marquez was killed during a live stream at a salon by a male intruder. Officials in Mexico's Jalisco state said they are investigating Marquez's death as a suspected femicide – the killing of a woman or girl for gender-based reasons. While not all homicides involving women are femicides, many are. In 2020, a quarter of female killings in Mexico were investigated as femicides, with cases reported in each one of the country's 32 states, according to Amnesty International. Acosta did not say whether Estupinan's death was a suspected femicide – but her killing has highlighted the sheer scale of violence against women in Colombia. Gender-based violence in the country is widespread, including by armed groups, according to non-profit organization Human Rights Watch. Survivors face many obstacles in seeking care or justice, and perpetrators are rarely held accountable, the group noted in its World Report 2024. Colombia's National Gender Commission has logged thousands of cases of gender and domestic violence, including high rates of sexual violence, neglect, abandonment and psychological violence, Acosta said. Some 41 women were reported missing in Colombia between January and August last year – with 34 cases in Cucuta, where Estupinan lived, Acosta said. Many of the women were minors. Northeast Colombia has been particularly volatile in recent months, with a sharp rise in fighting between militant factions. Escalating violence in the Catatumbo region displaced tens of thousands of people in January, many of whom flocked to Cucuta, where Colombia's military deployed thousands of soldiers and special forces. Fernando Ramos contributed to this report.
CNN
19-05-2025
- CNN
Model's murder, just days after influencer shot on live stream, sparks condemnation of femicide
The murder of a 22-year-old model and influencer in Colombia has sent shock waves through the country and drawn parallels to the killing of a Mexican influencer last week, highlighting the high rates of femicide in Latin America. Maria Jose Estupinan, a university student in Colombia's northeastern city of Cucuta, close to the Venezuela border, was killed on May 15, according to Magda Victoria Acosta, president of the National Gender Commission of the Colombian Judiciary. Speaking at a news conference, Acosta said the suspect, disguised as a delivery man, shot Estupinan in her home when she opened the door. 'She was a young, enterprising woman with a whole life ahead of her, but those dreams are cut short like the dreams of many women in this country,' Acosta said. Estupinan had been the victim of a domestic violence case and was about to receive compensation for it, Acosta added. She said the commission 'very strongly' condemned the crime and would work to deliver justice. Authorities are investigating the killing. CNN has reached out to the Colombian National Police and prosecutor's office for more information. Estupinan's Facebook page showed photos of her travels and daily life, including trips to New York and California, and of her posing by the pool or at the gym. The case has been covered widely by local media and spread on social media, with many comparing it to the May 13 shooting of 23-year-old beauty influencer Valeria Marquez in Mexico. Just days before Estupinan's death, Marquez was killed during a live stream at a salon by a male intruder. Officials in Mexico's Jalisco state said they are investigating Marquez's death as a suspected femicide – the killing of a woman or girl for gender-based reasons. While not all homicides involving women are femicides, many are. In 2020, a quarter of female killings in Mexico were investigated as femicides, with cases reported in each one of the country's 32 states, according to Amnesty International. Acosta did not say whether Estupinan's death was a suspected femicide – but her killing has highlighted the sheer scale of violence against women in Colombia. Gender-based violence in the country is widespread, including by armed groups, according to non-profit organization Human Rights Watch. Survivors face many obstacles in seeking care or justice, and perpetrators are rarely held accountable, the group noted in its World Report 2024. Colombia's National Gender Commission has logged thousands of cases of gender and domestic violence, including high rates of sexual violence, neglect, abandonment and psychological violence, Acosta said. Some 41 women were reported missing in Colombia between January and August last year – with 34 cases in Cucuta, where Estupinan lived, Acosta said. Many of the women were minors. Northeast Colombia has been particularly volatile in recent months, with a sharp rise in fighting between militant factions. Escalating violence in the Catatumbo region displaced tens of thousands of people in January, many of whom flocked to Cucuta, where Colombia's military deployed thousands of soldiers and special forces. Fernando Ramos contributed to this report.
