Maria Jose Estupinan Sanchez, a 22-year-old social media influencer, was killed by a gunshot outside her residence in Cucuta, Colombia, earlier this week. The incident took place in the La Riviera neighborhood when a man who claimed to be a deliveryman went to Sanchez with a mock gift and fired a gunshot at close range.
Footage of the security cameras showed the suspect running away from the crime scene, while her frantic screams for assistance could be heard in the background.
A Sly and Brutal Attack
Colonel Leonardo Capacho of the Metropolitan Police of Cucuta told us that, “She was killed by a man who faked delivering a package.” Police took Sanchez to the hospital quickly, but unfortunately, she died of her wounds. The attack took place at approximately 1:00 PM local time, according to the police.
Asesinan a otra Influencer, el agresor fingió ser un repartidor.
María José Estupiñan conocida como “la mona” fue asesinada en Cúcuta Colombia el pasado 15 de mayo por la mañana. A través de redes sociales de difundieron imágenes del momento en que el presunto feminicida huye. pic.twitter.com/4Y7cGiUcUQ
— Juan Carlos Robles (@JuanCarlosRR_Tv) May 17, 2025
This killing occurred only a day after Sanchez had emerged victorious in a domestic violence suit against her former boyfriend, winning a payment of 30 million COP (about USD 7,000). Police and local media are currently investigating the former boyfriend as the primary suspect, given the timing and potential motive associated with the court victory. Yet, no one has been arrested. Police are still on the lookout for the main suspect caught in the security cam footage sporting a black cap, jacket, jeans, and a backpack.
Escalating Violence Against Female Influencer
Sanchez not only had an influencer status but was also a seventh-semester Social Communication student at Pamplona University. She often documented her life as a student and model on social media, racking up a huge following.
This is particularly harrowing because it comes on the heels of an earlier case with Mexican influencer Valeria Marquez, who was killed in a live stream by a man who also presented himself as a delivery person. Marquez’s death was formally categorized as a ‘Femicide’ and is being investigated.
The Need for Greater Protection and Justice
These killings bring attention to the increasing risks women, especially those who are public personalities and social media influencers, face in their exposure. It emphasizes the urgent necessity of improved protection, effective legal enforcement, and far-reaching sensitization against violence towards women.
It also appeals to authorities to immediately investigate and prosecute these criminals to help avert more such tragedies.
