Karina Vázquez Sánchez, a 28-year-old former beauty queen, was found dead at a man's property in Mexico on October 15, with prosecutors investigating her death as a potential femicide. Medical personnel noted rigor mortis had set in and verified she showed no signs of life.
Discovery and Initial Findings
Police were called by a man named Armando, 34, who claimed he attempted to rouse Karina, but she remained unresponsive and had sick in her mouth. Based on his version of events, the two had been out drinking with a shared acquaintance in Jesús Tepactepec, Mexico, before heading to his residence as Karina was reluctant to return home intoxicated, owing to earlier domestic issues.
An initial examination reportedly indicated inhalation of stomach contents into the airways as a potential cause of death. Yet Karina's relatives say the autopsy eliminated this possibility, as well as alcohol poisoning, according to NeedToKnow. The precise conclusions have not been made public.
Detention and Release
Armando was detained on Saturday (October 17) after officers reportedly uncovered drugs, a long-barrelled weapon restricted to military use and multiple rounds of ammunition while searching the premises. However, authorities confirmed on Tuesday that he had been freed following action by his legal representative. His release does not indicate he has been exonerated, with the probe continuing.
Background and Family Response
Karina, originally hailing from Chiautempan, was a qualified solicitor who operated her own practice, providing guidance on civil, family, commercial, criminal and employment matters. She claimed the Señorita Tlaxcala Costumbres y Tradiciones beauty crown in 2019, after being named Reina de las Fiestas Patrias de Chiautempan the year before.
Armando maintains he'd known Karina for a decade after they met at law school and that they'd been together for roughly two and a half years. Yet her relatives challenge this version of events, maintaining their connection was purely professional. Armando refutes attacking her.
Karina's brother, Tadeo, posted online: "Of all the blows I have suffered throughout my life, none compares to the loss of my sister Karina." He continued: "Regardless of whether my sister made good or bad decisions in life, I want to make one thing clear: her death was not from natural causes." The investigation into Karina's death continues.
