Mexico City, June 16 – Mexico City has seen a concerning increase in femicides, with 14 cases reported between January and April 2026. This figure represents an average of 3.5 cases per month and is higher than the 11 femicides recorded in the corresponding period of 2025, which concluded with a total of 44 victims for that year.
Sharp Rise in Fatalities: A Detailed Breakdown
The latest data from the Executive Secretariat of the National Public Security System highlights a disturbing trend in the methods used in these crimes. In the first four months of 2026, six femicides were committed with bladed weapons and four with firearms. This contrasts with the same period in 2025, where only one femicide involved a firearm and three involved bladed weapons, indicating a shift towards more violent means.
Legal Action and Convictions: A Glimmer of Justice
Amidst the rising numbers, there has been progress in legal proceedings. One notable case involved Irving Gabriel R.I., who was sentenced to 26 years and two months in prison for the attempted femicide of his grandmother, mother, and sister with a bladed weapon. The incident occurred in the Ixtlahuaca neighborhood, Iztapalapa borough, where he injured his relatives and fled the scene.
The Investigative Police (PDI) apprehended him based on an arrest warrant issued shortly after the events on May 20, 2024. The Public Ministry of the Coordination of Accusation and Prosecution presented compelling evidence, leading to a conviction by the Trial Court. Irving Gabriel R.I. will serve his sentence at the Reclusorio Oriente, will have his political rights revoked, and will not be eligible for any penal benefits or substitutions due to the severity of the sentence. He is expected to be released in 2040.
Femicide Statistics in Mexico City: A Three-Year Overview
The trend of femicides in Mexico City over the past three years reveals a fluctuating but ultimately concerning picture:
- 2024: 68 femicides
- 2025: 44 femicides (a decrease from 2024)
- First four months of 2026: 14 femicides (an increase compared to the same period in 2025, averaging 3.5 per month)
This data underscores the ongoing challenge of gender-based violence in the capital and the urgent need for effective prevention and prosecution strategies.
Sheinbaum’s Proposal for a National Methodology
In response to the persistent issue of femicides, Mexico City’s head of government, Claudia Sheinbaum, has proposed a national methodology for investigating femicides. This initiative aims to standardize investigative procedures and improve the effectiveness of justice for victims of gender-based violence across the country.
The increase in femicides in Mexico City highlights the critical need for continued efforts to combat gender-based violence, strengthen legal frameworks, and ensure justice for victims and their families.
