Ex-Partner Arrested for 2021 Femicide of Activist

Cancún, Quintana Roo — José Luis N, the former partner of Mari Karla Hernández Ortiz, was arrested in Cancún after five years as a fugitive from justice. He is accused of her femicide, which occurred in 2021 in Soteapan, Veracruz.

San Pedro Soteapan, Veracruz — José Luis N was detained in Cancún, Quintana Roo, identified as the alleged perpetrator in the femicide of artisan and animal rights activist Mari Karla Hernández Ortiz. The crime occurred in 2021 in the municipality of San Pedro Soteapan, located in the mountainous southern region of Veracruz.

According to initial reports, the arrest was carried out through intelligence work by Ministerial Police, after the subject had remained a fugitive from justice for five years.

The case dates back to August 23, 2021, when the victim was reported missing after losing contact with her family. Upon going to her home in Coatzacoalcos, they found the residence closed but noted the absence of her vehicle and her pet, which raised concern.

Days later, her body was located in the Huazuntlán River, under the Soteapan bridge, alongside the Mirador-Saltillo highway. It showed signs of violence: she was tied by the neck and had a wound in her chest caused by a sharp object.

During the investigation, authorities located the victim's vehicle, a blue Yaris, abandoned in the municipality of Cosoleacaque. Analysis of surveillance camera footage allowed for the identification of José Luis N, who allegedly had a romantic relationship with the victim and had been sought since then.

According to the investigation, on the day of the disappearance, both were heading toward Soteapan with the supposed objective of inspecting a piece of land. However, the femicide is believed to have been committed during that journey.

Mari Karla, 47 years old, was widely recognized in the region for her work as an artisan and her activism in animal rescue.

The detainee was transferred under a security operation to the Integral Unit for the Administration of Justice in Coatzacoalcos, where he will face his initial hearing. A judge will determine his legal status.