Students in Mexico hold vigil after killing of Spanish exchange student

University students in Mexico have held a vigil for a 21-year-old Spanish exchange student killed in the central state of Morelos, with authorities investigating her death as a possible feminicide.

Students gathered on Monday, 14 September, to light candles and lay flowers in memory of Claudia Tacoronte, who had arrived in the state less than a month earlier for an exchange programme, according to the state prosecutor’s office.

The tribute was held outside the Faculty of Education Sciences, where Tacoronte was studying during her exchange at the Autonomous University of Morelos State (UAEM).

Investigation underway

The Spanish consulate in Mexico met with Morelos Governor Margarita González following the student’s death.

The state government expressed condolences to Tacoronte’s family and said it was ready to cooperate fully with investigators.

Authorities are examining the case as a feminicide, the term used in Mexico for the gender-related killing of a woman.

Fourth student feminicide case in 2026

Tacoronte’s death is the fourth feminicide case this year involving a UAEM student.

The deaths of students Kimberly Joselin Ramos and Karol Toledo, who disappeared and were later found dead, sparked protests across the university community in March.

Students occupied a campus for several weeks, demanding stronger security measures and justice for the victims, according to Mexican media reports.

Concerns over violence against women

Official data shows that Morelos recorded 21 feminicides between January and July this year.

Nationwide, 380 feminicides were registered over the same period, underscoring concerns about continuing violence against women in Mexico.

The case has renewed calls from students and activists for greater protection at universities and tougher measures to tackle gender-based violence.

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