On December 16, 2016, people gathered at the Cruz de Clavos monument, where flowers adorned the site to commemorate the 14th anniversary of Marisela Escobedo's murder. Escobedo, who became notable for her relentless quest for justice for her daughter, Rubí Marisol Frayre Escobedo, was tragically killed outside the Palacio de Gobierno in Chihuahua, Mexico. This somber occasion is not just about remembrance; it serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring fight against femicide and the pervasive climate of impunity surrounding it.
Marisela Escobedo’s life was irrevocably altered on the night of her daughter’s disappearance, which happened back in August 2008. Rubí was murdered by her partner, Sergio Rafael Barraza Bocanegra. Following the murder, Escobedo became her own advocate, fiercely searching for answers when authorities failed to act. Despite her efforts to gather evidence and track down the culprit, the justice system let her down tragically when Barraza was first acquitted of the charges against him, forcing Marisela to dedicate her life to activism.
Escobedo’s protests drew attention to the failures of the judicial system. Her determination was on full display as she setup camp outside the Chihuahua government building, where she pleaded for justice not only for her daughter but for all victims of gender-based violence. According to reports from the time, just before her assassination, she made chilling statements about her mortality, declaring, "If this man is going to come kill me, let him come do it right here for the shame of the government." Unfortunately, her horrific prediction became reality when she was murdered just days later, and the brutality of the event remains etched deep within the collective memory of her supporters.
This year marks over fourteen years of impunity, prompting attendees at the commemoration to reflect on the systemic issues perpetuating violence against women. Activists from diverse organizations, including the Center for Women’s Human Rights (CEDEHM), gathered at the memorial site to honor Marisela’s legacy. Ruth Fierro, CEDEHM’s coordinator, emphasized the emotional weight of the occasion, highlighting Escobedo’s family, which has faced forced displacement due to the continuing threats against their lives. “Marisela's family lives displaced, and with the sustained increase in violence against women and girls, this has become the shame of the government,” she lamented.
Numerous mothers like Marisela, who have lost their children to violence, have bravely stepped forward to demand justice, often risking their own lives. During the commemorative event, speeches echoed the calls for government accountability. Speakers criticized the government’s failure to provide adequate safety measures for women. Alma Gómez, another prominent activist, reaffirmed their commitment to keeping Escobedo’s memory alive, stating, “The circumstances leading to her assassination remain unchanged. Authorities at every level continue to ignore their obligations to protect women from violence.”
The memorial held at Cruz de Clavos serves as both tribute and protest. Attendees laid flowers and lit candles at the very spot where Marisela was murdered, turning the location from one of tragedy to one of remembrance and resilience. They signified their unwavering spirit with chants of "Marisela lives!"—an affirmation of her impact and the fight for justice she ignited.
Marisela Escobedo’s life and death have also permeated popular culture, with her story told through various media, including the critically acclaimed Netflix documentary series Las Tres Muertes de Marisela Escobedo. The documentary sheds light on her relentless pursuit for justice, and it has connected with broader audiences, amplifying her cause. Meanwhile, activists noted contemporary issues still plague the region, where violence against women remains alarmingly prevalent.
Critics have pointed to alarming developments, such as the recent dismantling of protections against psychological violence against women within local legislation. The activists voiced their discontent at the decision to eliminate such protections from the State Law on Women’s Right to Live Free from Violence. Graciela Ramos, speaking at the memorial, denounced not only Marisela’s assassination but the tragic failure of the legal system at large to provide justice for victims of domestic abuse. “Feminicides are not just about the violent deaths, and many factors contribute to these tragedies, including psychological violence, which is often overlooked by authorities,” she insisted.
Throughout the years, multiple initiatives have been rolled out claiming to address gender-based violence. From the gender alert declared back in August 2021 to various non-profit efforts, activists argue these strategies have fallen short. They continue to spotlight the urgent need for sufficient funding and policy implementation to protect the rights of women, girls, and adolescents.
After the presentations at Cruz de Clavos, attendees moved across Aldama Street to light candles near the steel plaque honoring Marisela Escobedo. The consistency of such memorial gatherings reflects the deep-rooted refusal to forget both her and her daughter, as well as the need to remain vigilant against the systemic violence women still face. “We will never forget,” one participant declared, voicing their commitment to fight for justice. Escobedo's life serves as not only a grim reminder of past injustices but also as motivation for continued activism. The rallying cry for justice echoes louder with each passing year.
Despite the passage of time, the unjust nature of Marisela’s death and her daughter’s murder remains unfinished business for Mexican society and its institutions. The multitudes who gather each anniversary are not just there to mourn; they are, more vitally, there to demand change—consistent, tangible, and lasting change—within the justice system and beyond.
Escobedo’s story exemplifies the stark reality for many families affected by violence throughout Mexico, representing not only the failure to secure justice but the very lives and safety of those seeking it. The energy at these memorials resonates far beyond the physical location; it signifies the enduring hope for accountability and the unyielding pursuit of justice, as advocates persistently press for systemic change.
