Model and influencer Maria Jose Estupinan shot dead at 22
Another model and influencer was shot to death just days after the murder of TikToker Valeria Marquez on livestream. The suspect also disguised himself as a delivery man before killing her.
According to a report by CNN International, Magda Victoria Acosta—president of the National Gender Commission of the Colombian Judiciary—said in a media conference that Maria Jose Estupinan, 22, was killed on May 15 at her residence in Colombia.
Acosta described the victim as 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," she added, noting that Estupinan was a domestic violence victim and was set to receive compensation for it before she got murdered.
Authorities are now looking into a CCTV footage showing a man, disguised as a delivery rider, leaving Estupinan's home at the time of the killing.
"According to what we have been able to verify, he indeed made some threats and there were complaints against him," Colonel William Quintero, commander of the Metropolitan Police of Cucuta, told members of the local press. "We are taking all urgent actions to establish what happened and bring those responsible for this act to justice."
Per CNN, Estupinan was a university student in Cucuta. She enjoyed posting about her travels on social media.
Her death came after the murder of beauty influencer Valeria Marquez on May 13.
She was seen on her TikTok livestream seated at a table clutching a stuffed toy. She was heard saying, "they're coming," before a voice in the background asked "Hey, Vale?"
"Yes," Marquez replied, just before muting the sound on the livestream.
Moments later, she was shot to death. A person appeared to pick up her phone, with their face briefly showing on the livestream before the video ended.
The prosecutor's office have not named a suspect.
Marquez's death is being investigated according to protocols for femicide—the killing of women or girls for reasons of gender—the Jalisco state prosecutor said. Femicide can involve degrading violence, sexual abuse, a relationship with the murderer, or the victim's body being exposed in a public space, according to Mexican authorities. (with reports from Reuters)
