Maria Jose Estupinan Sanchez, a 22-year-old rising social media influencer from Cucuta, Colombia, was tragically shot and killed outside her home by a man pretending to be a delivery worker. The horrifying incident took place earlier this week in the La Riviera neighborhood around 1:00 PM, shaking the local community and her thousands of online followers.
Sanchez was known for sharing snippets of her life as both a model and a student, as she pursued a degree in Social Communication at the University of Pamplona. On the day of the attack, a man wearing a black cap, jeans, a jacket, and a backpack approached her door with what appeared to be a delivery package. According to local media outlet Noticias Caracol, the man shot her at close range after gaining her attention under the guise of delivering a gift.
The entire attack was captured on a neighborhood security camera. The disturbing footage shows the assailant fleeing from the residence moments after the shooting, while Sanchez's desperate cries for help echoed through the area. She was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital but sadly succumbed to her injuries. Police reports confirmed the identity of the suspect is still unknown, but investigators are closely examining footage of the man escaping the crime scene. Colonel Leonardo Capacho of Cucuta’s Metropolitan Police stated, “She was killed by a man who pretended to be delivering a package.”
The timing of the murder has raised serious concerns among authorities and citizens alike. Just a day before her death, Sanchez had reportedly won a domestic abuse case against her ex-boyfriend. The court ordered the former partner to pay her a settlement of 30 million Colombian Pesos (about USD 7,000). Following this legal victory, police are now considering whether the attack may have been motivated by retaliation.
The ex-boyfriend has not been formally charged or arrested, but local law enforcement has confirmed that he is under investigation as a key suspect. The ongoing probe aims to determine whether there is any direct connection between the court ruling and her murder. The shocking killing of Maria Jose Estupinan Sanchez comes in the wake of another similar incident in Latin America. Just days earlier, Mexican TikTok influencer Valeria Marquez was also fatally shot during a live stream by a man disguised as a delivery worker. Authorities are drawing parallels between the two murders, both of which are now being investigated as potential cases of femicide.
Sanchez’s death has sparked outrage and grief across Colombia, especially among her fans and fellow students. The incident also highlights growing concerns over gender-based violence and the safety of women in Latin America, particularly those with a public profile. As police continue their search for the attacker, citizens and influencers alike are calling for justice for Maria Jose and more significant protection measures for women under threat. Her death is a grim reminder of how online fame can sometimes come with dangerous consequences.
