Transgender Activist Killed in Mexico City; Order Believed to Have Originated from Inside Prison

"Morogris" for Borderland Beat

Samantha Gomes Fonseca, a transgender activist and politician, was killed over the weekend in Mexico City. Investigators believe the attack may have been ordered by La Union Tepito, a gang in Mexico City (photo credit: Telediario)

A recent surge in transgender killings has been witnessed in Mexico during the initial weeks of 2024. Within this timeframe, at least three transgender individuals have lost their lives.

One such incident took place on Sunday when Samantha Gomes Fonseca, a 37-year-old transgender activist and politician, was fatally shot multiple times while inside her car in southern Mexico City.

Samantha originally intended to join a march alongside fellow activists, aiming to promote greater acceptance of transgender individuals in society. After she was murdered, however, the focus of the march evolved into passionate call for justice and the need for more robust legislation addressing hate crimes.

Three days prior to her killing, Miriam Noemi Ríos, a transgender woman and municipal official, was murdered in Jacona, Michoacán.

In Mexico, incidents of violence against gay and transgender communities are unfortunately common. The country, characterized by a "macho" culture and a deeply religious population, often sees these marginalized groups targeted.

Samantha's murder

Officials in Mexico City confirmed over the weekend that Samantha was murdered shortly after visiting Reclusorio Sur, a penitentiary in southern Mexico City, and it appears that the perpetrator was familiar with the route she would take.

"[Samantha] was reportedly visiting her romantic partner in Reclusorio Sur," he mentioned.

After Samantha left the prison, she boarded a Didi transport. At a specific location during the journey, an individual, seemingly aware of her route, shot at her near a bus stop in Xochimilco muncipality. This strongly suggests that the murder was meticulously planned well in advance.

Investigators from the Attorney General's Office of Mexico City (FGJ) believe that Samantha's murder was probably orchestrated by an inmate within Reclusorio Sur. Allegedly, there were "problems" Samantha had with one of the prisoners who belongs to La Unión Tepito, one of Mexico City's main gangs. 

As evident in the video above, the assailant was positioned at a bus stop, anticipating Samantha's rideshare vehicle to approach.

Above is another video angle of the murder. There is a speed bump at this location, compelling vehicles to reduce speed. The perpetrator concealed the weapon within a bag and swiftly fled the scene after committing the murder.

Transgender activist Kenya Cuevas stated that Samantha had reported receiving threats, but her concerns went unheard, and no protective measures were implemented for her.

The FGJ has indicated that they are also investigating the murder "under the femicide protocol," a legal framework that categorizes the intentional killing of a woman based on her gender. Nevertheless, they are not ruling out the possibility that she might have been targeted due to her political aspirations or activities within the prison. Samantha was known to conduct workshops and events for transgender inmates in the prison where she was held.

Since Sunday, her murder has made national headlines in Mexico, sparking reactions across the political elite in Mexico City.

Sources: Milenio (1); (2); (3); (4); El Universal; Telediario