A romantic dispute led to the femicide of teacher Noemí Isabel Ríos Torres in Manzanillo, Colima. Investigations by the State Attorney General’s Office (FGE) revealed that the killing was ordered by Karla—the partner of the man with whom the teacher was romantically involved—who hired a cell of hitmen to murder her on September 2.
Four people were arrested for their involvement in the incident: Karla, identified as the mastermind; Leonardo, who acted as an intermediary to contact the attackers; and Marco and Paola, identified as the actual perpetrators who carried out the killing in front of the teacher’s two minor children.
Noemí Isabel Ríos Torres was going through a divorce while maintaining a relationship with Karla’s partner. Testimonies from family and associates included in the investigation file confirm that the teacher suffered constant harassment, attacks on her vehicle, and direct threats from Karla, although no formal complaints had been filed previously.
To carry out the attack, Karla ordered the assault through Leonardo, who contacted members of a criminal structure linked to the Sinaloa Cartel in Manzanillo to do the job. Authorities clarified that the crime is classified as femicide rather than organized crime, as it was a service contracted for personal reasons.
During the operation, security forces seized a Saveiro pickup truck, a motorcycle, and two firearms—a .40 caliber and a 9mm. Forensic ballistics analysis confirmed that the 9mm Glock pistol was the weapon used to kill the teacher.
The four individuals involved have been placed at the disposal of the supervising judge to face charges for femicide. The teacher’s two children were unharmed; they remain in the custody of their father and grandparents and are receiving psychological support from local authorities.
