Sinaloa faces surge in feminicides and rising violence against women

Sinaloa is facing a surge in violence against women, with 16 women murdered in Escuinapa in less than four months. The local mayor, Víctor Díaz Simental, confirmed these figures, which include the recent deaths of two teachers in September.

Controversy has arisen following statements by Rosario Guadalupe Sarabia Soto, a local Morena deputy. Sarabia Soto claimed on social media that the killings in Escuinapa were not feminicides but rather related to the victims being part of criminal groups, citing “vox populi” as a basis for her assessment. Her comments have drawn criticism from those arguing that determining the nature of a crime is the responsibility of the Prosecutor's Office and the Judiciary, not legislators.

Legal experts, including Ricardo Beltrán Verduzco of the Alianza Mexicana de Abogados, have expressed concern over the rising rates of feminicide and domestic violence in the state. Verduzco emphasized the need for stronger prevention strategies and more effective investigations to combat impunity, calling for better coordination between security forces and the State Prosecutor's Office to ensure perpetrators face judicial consequences.