Daughter Demands Justice After Uber Driver Mother’s Murder in Mexico City
Table of Contents
Brisa García is fighting for justice after her mother, Karla Patricia Cortés Cervantes, a 41-year-old Uber driver, was murdered in Mexico City on December 29, 2024. García alleges the Mexico City Prosecutor’s Office is attempting to downplay the killing, classifying it as intentional homicide rather than the femicide she believes it to be. This tragic event underscores the alarmingly high rates of violence against women in Mexico, where, according to reports, 10 women are murdered daily, with 95% of cases going unpunished.
García shared her anguish on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “I ask the Uber Mexico Platform to take responsibility for the events that occurred on December 29 due to the feminicide of my mother Karla Patricia Cortés Cervantes. She was an excellent driver who was only doing her job.” Cortés left for work at noon and was found dead around 8:00 p.m. with a gunshot wound to the head. García emphatically stated, “It was not a simple assault.”
Disturbing videos circulating on social media appear to show Cortés’s white Uber vehicle parked on a street in Azcapotzalco.The footage allegedly depicts her lifeless body being thrown from the vehicle before it drives away. The vehicle was later recovered.garcía accuses the Prosecutor’s Office of negligence, saying, “The mexico City Femicide Prosecutor’s Office is trying to shelve my mother’s case and classify it only as intentional homicide.”
Beyond the immediate tragedy, García highlights the lack of support for her and her 15-year-old sister, who is now under her guardianship.She also claims they are facing intimidation from her mother’s ex-partner. In an Instagram video, she expressed her family’s plight: “We have been left without a mother, our rights are being violated, we are in danger.”
García’s emotional plea continues, “My mother was a brave woman, she was a working woman, my mother went out to work and did not return.” She is also demanding accountability from Uber, urging them to implement stronger safety measures for female drivers and provide life insurance for victims’ families: “That they can offer us life insurance to the victims whose families were taken from us.”
Uber released a statement on Saturday claiming they “received and responded promptly” to three requests for data from the Mexico City prosecutor’s Office between december 30 and January 2. The statement concluded, “We reiterate ourselves at the disposal of the authorities to continue collaborating with the investigations of the case.” Meanwhile, García has organized a peaceful march for Monday to the Prosecutor’s Office, continuing her relentless pursuit of justice for her mother.
“Not Simple Assault”: Expert Discusses Femicide Crisis in Mexico After Uber driver Murder
The tragic murder of Karla Patricia Cortés Cervantes, a 41-year-old Uber driver in Mexico City, has sparked outrage and highlighted the escalating crisis of violence against women in the country. Cortés’s daughter, Brisa García, is bravely demanding justice and accountability, alleging that authorities are downplaying the killing as “intentional homicide” rather than recognizing it as femicide. Below, we speak with Dr. Gabriela Ramirez, a sociologist specializing in gender-based violence in Mexico, to understand the context of this heartbreaking case and the urgent need for systemic change.
the Alarming Rates of violence Against Women in mexico
Senior Editor: Dr. Ramirez, the murder of Karla Patricia Cortés Cervantes is a heartbreaking reminder of the pervasive violence against women in Mexico. Can you provide some context for the severity of this issue?
Dr. Ramirez: Sadly, what happened to Karla is not an isolated incident.We are witnessing a horrific epidemic of femicide in Mexico. On average, 10 women are murdered every single day in this country, and a staggering 95% of these cases go unpunished. The lack of justice for victims and their families is deeply concerning and fuels a culture of impunity.
Senior Editor: What are some of the underlying factors contributing to this crisis?
Dr. Ramirez: There are deep-rooted societal issues at play. Machismo, sexism, and a culture that normalizes violence against women are major contributors. We also see weakened institutions, corruption, and a lack of effective law enforcement responses to violence against women.
Femicide vs. Intentional Homicide: Understanding the Difference
senior Editor: Brisa García is adamant that her mother’s death should be classified as femicide, not simply intentional homicide. What is the distinction, and why is it so important?
Dr. ramirez: Femicide is the specific term used to describe the killing of a woman because she is a woman. It’s a gender-motivated crime rooted in hatred, discrimination, and a desire to control women. Classifying these killings correctly is crucial because it acknowledges the unique context of the violence and can lead to more effective prevention strategies and legal responses.
Senior Editor: Why is it significant that Brisa is fighting for this classification?
Dr. Ramirez: By demanding that her mother’s death be recognized as femicide, Brisa is not only fighting for justice for her family but also challenging the systemic denial and downplaying of violence against women.
uber’s Duty and Safety Measures
Senior Editor: brisa is also calling for Uber to take responsibility for her mother’s death and implement stronger safety measures for female drivers.What steps can ride-sharing companies take to better protect their drivers?
Dr. Ramirez: Ride-sharing companies have a moral and ethical responsibility to prioritize the safety of their drivers, notably women. They need to implement comprehensive safety protocols, including thorough background checks for passengers, in-app emergency features, and robust mechanisms for reporting and addressing harassment and violence.
Senior Editor: What is your message to the mexican government and law enforcement regarding the ongoing femicide crisis?
Dr. Ramirez: The Mexican government needs to declare a national emergency on femicide. they must allocate more resources to prevention programs, victim support services, and law enforcement training on gender-based violence. Perpetrators need to be held accountable, and a culture of zero tolerance must be established.The silence and inaction must end.
