Bolivia: Former mayoral candidate killed in femicide attack in Santa Rosa del Sara

Alicia Montero Tomichá, a former candidate for mayor of Santa Rosa del Sara in Bolivia's Santa Cruz department, was found dead on the night of 29 June 2026. Police say her ex‑partner, who arrived from Cochabamba, entered the home around 01:00 a.m., stabbed her with a bladed weapon, cutting her neck, and then set the house on fire. The victim’s two‑year‑old son was also injured, suffering burns on about 25 % of his body. The perpetrator, also burned, is now in police custody. Authorities are investigating the case as a femicide linked to jealousy, noting the couple had separated a week earlier. The incident has sparked renewed calls for stronger measures against gender‑based violence in Bolivia.