León, Guanajuato, Mexico – Mexican prosecutors have launched an investigation into the murder of Lorena Jacqueline Morales, a 28-year-old woman from León, Guanajuato, after disturbing surveillance footage surfaced showing her former boss carrying a suspicious bundle up a flight of stairs, which is believed to be linked to her death.
Morales, who worked at a food store in the city, was reported missing by her family on May 23. Her body was found on June 3 inside a suitcase, according to the Guanajuato Prosecutor’s Office. The discovery of her body has caused widespread outrage, drawing attention to the ongoing issue of violence against women in Mexico.
Surveillance Video Raises Alarm
The investigation gained momentum after the release of a surveillance video that was widely shared online. The footage, which reportedly was filmed on May 22, shows Morales’ former boss entering an apartment building carrying a covered object. Later, he is seen struggling to load a heavy suitcase into the trunk of a car, suggesting a connection to the murder.
The timestamp on the video places it a day before Morales was reported missing. However, authorities have not clarified what occurred before or after the footage was recorded. The video, which has become a critical piece of evidence, has furthered the probe into the events leading up to Morales’ tragic death.
Perpetrator Arrested
Prosecutors swiftly arrested the alleged perpetrator, who is identified as Morales’ former employer, on the same day her body was discovered. While the suspect’s legal status has not been fully disclosed, the investigation is ongoing. CNN is working to confirm his response to the charges.
Guanajuato Governor Libia Dennise García Muñoz stated that the case should be treated as a femicide, a term used to describe the killing of a woman due to her gender. This marks another high-profile case of violence against women in Mexico, a country that continues to grapple with an alarming rate of femicides.
Femicides in Mexico: A Widespread Crisis
Morales’ murder has shone a light on the growing crisis of femicide in Mexico, where violence against women remains pervasive. Although not all homicides involving women are classified as femicides, many are. In 2020, a quarter of all female homicides in the country were investigated as femicides. According to Amnesty International, these cases were reported across all 32 states of Mexico.
Government statistics show that in 2022, there were 847 reported cases of femicide nationwide, and 162 cases in the first three months of this year alone. These numbers underscore the scale of the issue and the urgent need for more effective measures to combat violence against women.
Seeking Justice
As the investigation into Lorena Jacqueline Morales’ murder continues, authorities are under pressure to ensure justice for her and all women affected by gender-based violence. While Morales’ family mourns her death, they, along with activists and advocates, are calling for stronger actions to protect women and hold perpetrators accountable.
