Venezuela Becomes Focal Point in Carolina Flores Feminicide Case
The arrest of Erika María Herrera, the primary suspect in the femicide of Carolina Flores Gómez, has unveiled details about her escape route and nearly two weeks in hiding. The Fiscalía General de Justicia de la Ciudad de México confirmed Herrera’s detention in Venezuela, a result of collaboration with Venezuelan authorities following the crime committed in Mexico City’s Miguel Hidalgo borough.
Swift Action and International Pursuit
Authorities acted quickly following the initial report on April 16, 2026, securing an arrest warrant by April 17, 2026. A Red Notice was subsequently issued through Interpol, facilitating the search beyond Mexico’s borders. Currently, Herrera remains in Venezuelan custody as extradition proceedings are underway.
The Crime: A Former Beauty Queen’s Tragic End
Carolina Flores, 27, was found deceased in her apartment in the Polanco III Sección neighborhood on April 15, 2026. She was discovered alongside her husband and her mother-in-law, Erika María Herrera. Investigations revealed Flores sustained gunshot wounds, primarily to the head.
Chilling Evidence from Security Footage
Security camera footage from within the apartment captured crucial moments before and after the attack. Recordings reveal an initial conversation between Flores and Herrera regarding a recent trip, followed by a request for water. Shortly after, gunshots were heard. The recordings also captured the husband’s reaction immediately after the shooting, to which Herrera responded, “Nothing, you made me angry.” She then added, “Nothing, you are mine.” These audio fragments are central to the ongoing investigation.
According to reports, Herrera immediately disposed of the weapon in the kitchen, gathered her belongings, and left the scene in a taxi.
Escape Route: Panama to Venezuela
Initial investigations indicate that Herrera departed Mexico City hours after the crime, traveling first to Panama as a transit point. She then continued to Caracas, Venezuela, arriving on April 16, 2026 – one day after the femicide. This movement occurred before an international alert had been formally issued.
While Mexican authorities alerted their Venezuelan counterparts about the possibility of Herrera’s arrival, the lack of an active international warrant initially prevented her immediate detention. She was initially detained for a separate offense – resisting arrest – which allowed authorities to hold her while the Interpol Red Notice was formalized.
Hiding in Plain Sight
Reports from Venezuelan media outlet El Nacional indicate Herrera was hiding in an apartment located in the El Cigarral urbanization in the El Hatillo municipality, a residential area of Caracas. The apartment was reportedly rented through Airbnb.
Journalist Antonio Nieto shared images of the building on social media, confirming Herrera’s arrival in Venezuela via Panama on April 16, 2026.
Ongoing Investigation and Extradition
The Fiscalía de la Ciudad de México has affirmed its commitment to pursuing the case under the protocol for femicides. They continue to gather evidence and coordinate with Venezuelan authorities to facilitate Herrera’s extradition. The Fiscalía is also providing support to the victim’s family.
El Cigarral urbanization in Caracas, Venezuela. Foto:Google Maps
Did you know?
Interpol’s Red Notice is an international request for law enforcement agencies worldwide to locate and arrest a person suspected of a crime. It is not an arrest warrant in itself, but it significantly increases the chances of apprehension.
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Stay informed about this developing story as we continue to provide updates on the investigation and extradition process.
