The father of 19 year old Alba Lucía Castañeda says he never wanted his daughter to travel to Mexico.
José Castañeda, speaking from Colombia, recalled repeatedly warning Alba about the trip that ultimately ended in tragedy. The young woman traveled from Bogotá to Mexico City to meet a man with whom she had reportedly maintained a long distance relationship for nearly two years.
According to her father, Alba often spoke about the man and the opportunities he promised.
“She kept telling me he had a lot of money,” Castañeda said. “I told her that nobody gives away money for nothing.”
Despite his concerns, Alba left for Mexico, convinced that the relationship could lead to a better future. Just two days after arriving in the country, she was dead.
Authorities say Alba was traveling in Mexico City with a Colombian man identified as Iván “N” Luque when armed attackers on motorcycles opened fire. The motive for the attack remains under investigation.
For her father, the devastating news arrived just as families across the region were celebrating Father’s Day.
“That was my Father’s Day gift,” Castañeda said, describing the moment he learned that his daughter had been killed.
Family members say Alba was a young woman full of dreams and aspirations. Her death has left relatives searching for answers while coping with overwhelming grief.
As Mexican authorities continue their investigation, the family is also facing the challenge of bringing Alba’s remains back to Colombia. Relatives have appealed for financial assistance to help cover repatriation costs and have called on authorities to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
The case has drawn attention in both Mexico and Colombia, where family members continue to demand answers about the circumstances that led to Alba’s death only days after her arrival.
