# Murder of Spanish student in Morelos

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/murder-of-spanish-student-in-morelos
> Updated: 2026-09-16T12:07:21.000Z. Sources: 148. Developments: 5.

On September 12, 2026, Claudia Tacoronte Aguilera, a 21-year-old Spanish exchange student from the University of Granada, was killed in Cuautla, Morelos. The Morelos Prosecutor's Office began investigating the incident as a femicide, though authorities also considered the possibility of a robbery involving a sharp weapon.

In response to the killing, the University of Granada suspended its student mobility programs with the Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos (UAEM). The Spanish Foreign Ministry and the Mexican federal government confirmed coordination with local authorities and the Spanish Consulate to support the victim's family.

Following the murder, UAEM students marched in Cuernavaca to demand justice and improved security. Protesters highlighted a broader security crisis, noting that Tacoronte Aguilera was the fourth student from UAEM to be murdered within a seven-month period. Demonstrators criticized the effectiveness of state and federal security forces in protecting the university community.

Diplomatic efforts have intensified, with Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares speaking to Mexican Foreign Minister Roberto Velasco to address the case. The Mexican government has pledged to investigate the crime at the ‘highest level’ to ensure justice.

By September 16, authorities in Cuautla identified a primary suspect through surveillance footage from the Casa de la Cultura, where the attack occurred. Investigators identified the suspect as a local criminal known as ‘Paco el Trompas’. Video footage reportedly shows the suspect loitering near the entrance before fleeing the scene on a stolen bicycle.

In Andalusia, Counselor for University Jorge Paradela announced a review of selection processes for international academic exchange programs. While the regional government does not manage mobility security directly, it intends to participate in university meetings to ensure that security warnings from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are more effectively communicated to students before international stays are authorized.

## Claims

- Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares held a conversation with his Mexican counterpart regarding the murder of Claudia Tacoronte Aguilera. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The Mexican government committed to investigating the crime at the highest level to bring the responsible party to justice. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The investigation into the death is being conducted by the Morelos State Attorney General's Office under femicide protocols. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The victim, Claudia Tacoronte Aguilera, was a 21-year-old student from Gran Canaria. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Tacoronte was in Morelos, Mexico, as part of an academic exchange program with the Autonomous University of the State of Morelos (UAEM). (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Authorities are searching for a suspect who was captured on security cameras near the crime scene. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-16: Andalusia to review international academic exchange safety after student murder in Mexico

Andalusia will review international academic exchange safety protocols following the murder of a University of Granada student during an exchange program in Mexico.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/andalusia-to-review-international-academic-exchange-safety-after-student-murder-in-mexico

### 2026-09-16: Cuautla authorities identify suspect in Spanish student's murder

Mexican authorities have identified a suspect, known as Paco ‘el Trompas’, in the fatal stabbing of Claudia Tacoronte, a Spanish exchange student in Cuautla, Morelos.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cuautla-authorities-identify-suspect-in-spanish-students-murder

### 2026-09-16: Spain and Mexico coordinate investigation into murder of Spanish student in Morelos

Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares coordinated with Mexican authorities following the murder of 21-year-old exchange student Claudia Tacoronte Aguilera in Morelos, Mexico.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/spain-and-mexico-coordinate-investigation-into-murder-of-spanish-student-in-morelos

### 2026-09-16: UAEM students protest in Cuernavaca after murder of Spanish student

UAEM students marched in Cuernavaca to demand justice for the murder of Spanish exchange student Claudia Tacoronte Aguilera and to protest rising insecurity and feminicides in Morelos.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uaem-students-protest-in-cuernavaca-after-murder-of-spanish-student

### 2026-09-14: Morelos investigation launched into killing of Spanish exchange student

Spanish student Claudia Tacoronte Aguilera, 21, was killed in Cuautla, Morelos, during an academic exchange. Authorities are investigating the case as a femicide, while the University of Granada suspends local.

144 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/spanish-student-killed-in-cuautla-mexico

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Cite as: Murder of Spanish student in Morelos. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/murder-of-spanish-student-in-morelos