Three Women Killed at Mexican University Raise Femicide Concerns

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, September 20, 2026

Three female students at the Autonomous University of the State of Morelos, including a Spanish exchange student, have been found dead in the past seven months, prompting a manhunt and arrest in one high-profile case. These killings have intensified concerns over the region's high rates of femicide and gender-based violence, leading to protests and the suspension of the university's international exchange program.

Three female students at the Autonomous University of the State of Morelos (UAEM) in Mexico have been found dead over the past seven months, raising concerns about femicide and gender-based violence in the region. The victims include Claudia Tacoronte Aguilera, a 21-year-old Spanish exchange student from the University of Granada, and two Mexican students, Kimberly Ramos and Karol Toledo, both aged 18.

Tacoronte arrived in Mexico in August to study early-childhood education at UAEM, which has an enrollment of about 40,000 students. On September 12, she was stabbed to death during an incident at a festival focused on medicinal plants in Cuautla, a city in the state of Morelos. Authorities reported that Francisco Meléndez, 37, allegedly attempted to steal her cell phone and fatally attacked her in the process. Surveillance footage captured Meléndez moving throughout Cuautla after the attack, and a nationwide manhunt followed. He was arrested on September 17 after locals recognized him despite attempts to alter his appearance.

The Morelos State Attorney General’s Office has classified Tacoronte’s killing as a femicide, a term used when a woman is targeted due to her gender. The case sparked demonstrations by students in Cuernavaca and Cuautla, where protesters called for an end to violence against women. In response to the incident, the University of Granada suspended its student exchange program with UAEM and recalled 17 students.

Two other UAEM students were also victims of fatal attacks in recent months. Kimberly Ramos disappeared near the Chamilpa campus in Cuernavaca on February 20; her body was found on March 3 in an industrial area outside the city. Karol Toledo, also 18, was another student killed during this period, though details surrounding her case are less publicized. While these incidents appear to involve different perpetrators and motives, they have collectively heightened concern over violence against women in Morelos.

According to official statistics, 69 females were killed in Morelos from January to July, with 21 of those deaths officially categorized as femicides. The region, located just south of Mexico City, has grappled with high levels of gender-based violence, reflective of broader national challenges. Mexican officials have noted that approximately ten women are murdered daily across the country, underscoring the urgency of addressing this crisis.

Some security analysts have speculated whether the swift arrest of Meléndez was influenced by the international attention surrounding the killing of Tacoronte, given her status as a foreign student. The case highlights ongoing struggles within Mexico to prevent gender-motivated violence and ensure safety for all women, both citizens and visitors.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.