Influencer and Family Found Dead in Alleged Cartel Execution

The bodies of a well-known influencer, her husband, and their two children were discovered dead and wrapped in plastic in a pickup truck in Guadalajara, Mexico, after what authorities believe to be a cartel-style execution. On August 22, 2023, the remains of Esmeralda Ferrer Garibay, 32; her husband Roberto Carlos Gil Licea, 36; their 13-year-old son Gael Santiago; and 7-year-old daughter Regina Gil Ferrer were found inside the abandoned gray Ford Ranger. Prosecutor Alfonso Gutierrez Santillan confirmed the details during a press conference.

Investigators used surveillance footage to trace the truck’s movements back to a nearby auto repair shop, where they found bloodstains and spent bullet casings. This evidence indicates that the family was likely executed at that location before their bodies were transported to the pickup truck. “While the forensic results are not yet in, ballistic and blood evidence almost certainly confirm they were murdered at that location,” said Gutierrez Santillan.

Authorities detained two men associated with the repair shop but released them due to insufficient evidence, according to Diario de Yucatan. In a disturbing turn of events, these men were kidnapped shortly after leaving the prosecutor’s office. They were ambushed by armed assailants, and while three individuals were taken, one managed to escape. Prosecutor Blanca Trujillo emphasized the premeditated nature of the attack, stating that the attackers waited for more than two hours before striking.

The motive behind the family’s murders remains unclear, and investigators are awaiting the testimony of the survivor. The family’s identities were confirmed on August 28, 2023. Reports from El Financiero suggest that Roberto Carlos Gil Licea may have been the primary target, as he was involved in selling vehicles and farming tomatoes in the state of Michoacán, a region known for high levels of violence and organized crime.

Esmeralda Ferrer Garibay had a significant following on TikTok, where she often showcased her luxurious lifestyle, featuring high-end products from brands such as Dior, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton. She frequently shared videos highlighting her expensive vacations and cosmetic surgeries, attracting over 44,000 followers. Some of her content included lip-syncing to narco-corridos, a music genre that romanticizes the lives of drug cartels, which may have raised questions about her and her husband’s connections to such groups.

Despite the appearance of this lifestyle, there is currently no evidence to suggest that either Esmeralda or Roberto were affiliated with a drug cartel. Their recent move from Michoacán to Guadalajara was reportedly for better work opportunities, away from one of Mexico’s most dangerous regions, as noted by the US State Department.

As investigations continue, the community grapples with the shocking nature of this crime, highlighting ongoing issues related to violence and organized crime in Mexico.