Colombian Social Media Influencer Killed Just Days After Similar Crime in Mexico

Just two days after a Mexican influencer was killed while livestreaming, a Colombian social media personality suffered a similar fate in the city of Cúcuta, in the Venezuelan border.

The case involves María José Estupiñán, a 22-year-old college student in the city of Cúcuta, who was shot at her residence by a person claiming to be a delivery driver. The killing took place just days after the murder of Mexican influencer Valeria Márquez.

Col. Leonardo Capacho, commander of District One of the Cúcuta Metropolitan Police, told local outlet Noticias Caracol that Judicial Police is seeking to identify the suspect and determine his whereabouts. He added that one of the main suspects is Estupiñán's former partner, whom she had previously reported for domestic violence.

"It could be a femicide, since she filed several complaints for domestic violence in previous years, but that is a matter of investigation," Capacho said.

Estupiñán was set to receive a reward of about $7,000 after winning a 2018 domestic violence case against her ex-partner. The reward was scheduled to be delivered the day before her death.

Alejandra Vera, director of an organization that supports domestic abuse survivors, told Noticias Caracol that the suspect had "stalked and abused" Estupiñán, and that she had repeatedly reported the threats to authorities.

Security footage obtained by investigators shows a man fleeing the scene as screams are heard. Estupiñán was transported to a local hospital, where she later died as a result of her injuries.

Estupiñán's death follows the killing of Márquez, who was shot while livestreaming on TikTok from her salon in Zapopan, Jalisco, after a man posing as a delivery driver entered the salon and opened fire after confirming Márquez's identity. She was struck in the chest and head and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Officials identified the suspect as Ricardo Ruiz Velasco, an alleged high-ranking member of the Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) and a former partner of Márquez.

Sources close to the investigation told Mexican outlet Milenio that the two had been in a romantic relationship for several months. They believe Ruiz Velasco, also known as "Doble R" frequently became jealous of the expensive gifts Márquez received from her online followers.

Hours before the attack, Márquez posted a video showing off one such gift — a possible motive for the killing, according to investigators.

The Jalisco prosecutor's office confirmed that official witness statements, as well as content from Márquez's social media, are being reviewed as part of the ongoing investigation.

Authorities are treating the case as a femicide, a legal classification in Mexico for killings of women due to gender-based violence.