CUAUTLA, Morelos, Mexico — Claudia Tacoronte Aguilera, a 21-year-old Spanish university student from Gran Canaria, was killed in Cuautla, Morelos, on September 12, 2026, while participating in an academic exchange program in Mexico.
Tacoronte was a student at the University of Granada in Spain and had arrived in Mexico in August to continue her studies temporarily at the Autonomous University of the State of Morelos (UAEM). She was studying Education Infantil, or early childhood education.
Fatal Attack in Cuautla
The attack occurred near the Casa de la Cultura in Cuautla, where Tacoronte had attended a festival focused on medicinal plants and traditional medicine.
According to reporting from Reuters and other outlets, Tacoronte suffered fatal stab wounds. Authorities in Morelos opened an investigation under the femicide protocol.
Reports indicate that investigators are examining a possible attempted robbery as one line of inquiry, but authorities have not established the motive conclusively.
Security-camera footage reportedly captured a man wearing a white sweatshirt and carrying a black backpack fleeing the area. Mexican authorities have subsequently identified a man known as “El Trompas” as a principal suspect and are searching for him. He has not been convicted, and the investigation remains active.
University and Government Response
Tacoronte’s death prompted reactions in both Mexico and Spain. The University of Granada condemned the killing and held a minute of silence in her memory. Spanish officials also called for justice and continued coordination with Mexican authorities.
Her death has also drawn attention to previous killings involving female students connected with UAEM during 2026. Current reports describe Tacoronte as the fourth female student associated with the university to have been killed during the period discussed by local and international media.
Claudia Tacoronte Remembered
Friends and members of the university community have remembered Claudia as a young student who had traveled to Mexico to continue her education and experience an international academic exchange.
Her death has left family members, friends, classmates and university communities in Spain and Mexico mourning her loss.
Funeral and memorial arrangements in Spain or Mexico were not available in the sources reviewed.