On May 1, 2025, the State of Mexico's Judicial Branch confirmed the 17-year and six-month prison sentence for influencer Rodolfo ‘N’, known as ‘Fofo’ Márquez, for the crime of attempted femicide. The Second Chamber of the State of Mexico ratified the ruling after thoroughly reviewing the evidence and arguments presented by the defense.
The incident that led to Márquez's conviction occurred in February 2024 in Naucalpan, where he brutally attacked a woman named Edith Márquez following a traffic altercation. The violent confrontation, captured on security cameras, showed Márquez repeatedly hitting the victim, an act classified by authorities as attempted femicide due to its severity and intent to inflict serious harm.
According to the Mexican Penal Code, attempted femicide is defined as an attempt to kill a woman for gender-related reasons, with severe penalties even if the act does not result in death. In this case, the court determined that the assault warranted a significant prison sentence, reflecting the gravity of the crime.
Márquez was found guilty on January 24, 2025, after a series of hearings that underscored the violent nature of his actions. The court's decision included a requirement for Márquez to pay 36,400 pesos for psychological treatment for the victim, a modification from an earlier total of 277,400 pesos that covered broader damages.
In February 2025, Márquez's brother, Rodrigo, announced plans to appeal the sentence, claiming that Fofo had been a victim of violence while incarcerated. However, the court dismissed these claims as insufficient to alter the original ruling. The appeal was ultimately rejected, confirming that Márquez would serve his full sentence unless new legal avenues are pursued.
The case has drawn considerable public attention, partly due to Márquez's social media following and the nature of the crime. Critics, including family members, have suggested that his celebrity status may have influenced the judicial process, arguing that the incident was not an attempted femicide. Rodrigo Márquez expressed his discontent with the legal proceedings, stating, "It seems that justice is not being served, and I want to believe that Mexico is an honest country that does not exploit media cases like this one."
Despite the controversies surrounding the case, the judicial authorities have maintained that the evidence presented during the trial was compelling enough to uphold the conviction. The court's statement emphasized the need to address gender-based violence seriously, reflecting the broader societal issues at play.
Fofo Márquez, now 26 years old, will remain in prison until he is 43, a stark reminder of the consequences of his actions. The court's ruling serves as a significant statement against violence towards women, reinforcing that such behavior will not be tolerated.
As the legal proceedings continue, the focus remains on the implications of this case for both the victim and the broader community. The ongoing discussions surrounding gender-based violence in Mexico highlight the urgent need for societal change and legal reforms to protect vulnerable individuals.
While Márquez's defense team may seek further legal recourse, the current ruling stands as a testament to the judicial system's commitment to addressing femicide and protecting victims of violence. The case has sparked conversations about accountability, celebrity influence, and the importance of supporting survivors of gender-based violence.
In the wake of this incident, advocates for women's rights are calling for more stringent measures to combat violence against women, urging lawmakers to strengthen laws and ensure that justice is served for victims like Edith Márquez.
The outcome of this case may influence future legal proceedings related to femicide and gender-based violence in Mexico, as society grapples with the complexities of justice in high-profile cases.
