# Violent crime surges in Latin America and Spain

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/violent-crime-surges-in-latin-america-and-spain
> Updated: 2026-09-15T23:14:02.000Z. Sources: 48. Developments: 3.

Violent crime and fatal incidents continue to escalate across Latin America and Spain. In Central America, Guatemala reported at least 14 deaths during a weekend of armed attacks, prompting reinforced patrols. Costa Rica saw shootings in Cartago and Limón resulting in multiple deaths and injuries.

In Mexico, security concerns are intensifying. In Sinaloa, the State Public Security Council warned the state is approaching 100 female murders in 2026, following the recent murders of three teachers. Culiacán has experienced significant violence, including the killing of 52-year-old Adela “N” at her tortilla stall and the execution of two men at a Red Petroil gas station. Vandalism also struck the city, where the JUCLA clothing store was burned. Other reported incidents include the kidnapping of a jeweler and a delivery worker, a shooting in Mazatlán, and the arrest of a suspect in Mexicali known as ‘el Ciego’. In Sonora, authorities arrested Felipe Alberto “N” in connection with the homicide of José Luis “N”, a local figure known as “El Piturris”. Investigators linked the crime to drug trafficking disputes and confirmed the weapon used was also involved in a previous homicide.

In Argentina, police conducted four raids in Villa Gobernador Gálvez following a September 13 shooting, resulting in the apprehension of two women. In Fray Luis Beltrán, a 32-year-old woman was shot and killed; investigators are looking into potential links to drug trafficking. Additionally, judicial authorities ordered the preventive detention of a 16-year-old accused of shooting his 14-year-old girlfriend, an incident reclassified as causing extremely serious injuries.

In Bolivia, the death toll in Bulo Bulo has reached seven. In Colombia, a 28-year-old woman died in Bogotá, and a rural attack in La Gloria left at least four dead.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-15: Mexico reports surge in violent crime and kidnappings

Mexico faces a surge in violent crime, including rising female homicides in Sinaloa, multiple kidnappings, and several targeted shootings and arrests across various states.

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/culiacn-two-men-killed-in-gas-station-shooting

### 2026-09-13: Violent crime wave reported across multiple Latin American regions

A series of violent crimes, including shootings, machete attacks, and fatal confrontations, have been reported across Mexico, Paraguay, Venezuela, Argentina, Colombia, and Peru.

22 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/apatzingn-experiences-two-separate-fatal-armed-attacks

### 2026-08-22: Violent crime surges across Guatemala, Spain, and Latin America

A wave of violent incidents, including shootings and stabbings, has been reported across Guatemala, Spain, Mexico, Colombia, and Costa Rica, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries.

18 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fatal-shootings-reported-in-suba-colombia-and-alajuelita-costa-rica

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Cite as: Violent crime surges in Latin America and Spain. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/violent-crime-surges-in-latin-america-and-spain