A 27-year-old former beauty queen, Carolina Flores Gómez, has been shot d3ad, with her mother-in-law named as the main suspect. She was found lifeless in a luxury apartment located in one of the most exclusive areas of Mexico City.

Authorities believe she suffered a gunshot wound to the head on Wednesday, April 15. Emergency responders confirmed her d3ath at the high-end residential complex in Polanco, a district known for its wealth and security.

Prosecutors revealed that her mother-in-law, identified only as Erika María, was present in the apartment at the time along with her son, Alejandro, who was Carolina’s partner. Investigators are also looking into why the incident was reported late, as it is thought to have occurred the night before authorities were alerted by Alejandro.

While the mother-in-law remains the primary suspect, Carolina’s husband has also been questioned as officials try to piece together what happened. Building security reported hearing no gunshots or suspicious activity, adding further mystery to the case.

Forensic and ballistics experts have examined the apartment for clues. Meanwhile, Marina del Pilar Ávila, governor of Baja California—Carolina’s home state—has called for a swift and thorough investigation, stressing that crimes against women must not go unpunished.

Although the case is currently being treated as intentional homicide, activists are urging authorities to classify it as femicide due to its suspected gender-based nature.

Carolina was well known in her region, having won the Miss Teen Universe title for Baja California in 2017 and several other local pageant titles in Ensenada.

The investigation is ongoing.