### Primary Article: Adán Alejandro Castellanos Sentenced to 42 Years for Murder of Chayito
In a significant legal conclusion, Adán Alejandro Castellanos Espinosa has been sentenced to 42 years and six months of imprisonment for the murder of Eneyda Ramos Noriega. The verdict comes eight years after the tragic event, which unfolded on April 29, 2016. Ramos Noriega, a medical student at the Autonomous University of Baja California, was Castellanos’ ex-partner.
The court documents revealed that the murder was premeditated. Castellanos arranged to meet with Ramos days before the incident and prepared an array of items with the intention of committing the crime. These items included a nylon rope, a metal chain, syringes filled with sedatives, and plastic bags.
The attack was carried out with the involvement of Castellanos’ current girlfriend, Karla Vanessa N. She confessed that Castellanos’ motive for the murder was his inability to cope with Ramos Noriega leaving him for a friend.
According to testimonies, Castellanos picked up Ramos in his mother’s car, asking her to sit in the back as he collected Eneyda who sat in the front. Once a short distance from her house, he stopped the car, started assaulting her, and was assisted by Karla Vanessa. She held the victim by the neck during the assault and administered an injection containing hydrochloric and formaldehyde acids—substances that both cause death and slow decomposition, although they were incorrectly applied.
In her defense, Eneyda attempted to fight back, creating a bite mark on Karla, which was later corroborated by forensic tests. Castellanos then used a yellow rope to strangle her. When this failed to have an immediate effect, he suffocated her with a plastic bag.
Karla Vanessa later testified that she acted under threats and described Castellanos as manipulative and violent. After keeping the body in his house until May 1, Karla alerted authorities. Both suspects were apprehended shortly after, in May 2016. The court not only sentenced Castellanos but also ordered him to pay 369,582 pesos in damages.
### Secondary Article: Growing Concerns Over Femicide Rates in Mexico
The outcome of Adán Alejandro Castellanos’ case reflects ongoing concerns about violence against women in Mexico. Femicide—the killing of women because of their gender—has been a rising issue, with increased public and governmental attention in recent years.
According to national statistics, the rate of femicide has been distressingly high, prompting social movements demanding justice and policy changes. Many organizations are advocating for improved legal frameworks and support systems to protect potential victims and offer justice to impacted families.
Despite legal progress, activists assert that cultural changes are still needed to shift attitudes towards gender-based violence. This includes better education on gender equality and more inclusive discussions on topics related to domestic violence and relationship dynamics.
Authorities continue to work on these issues, yet the call for more comprehensive measures remains urgent. Community efforts and increased awareness are vital in preventing such tragedies and fostering a safer environment for women across the nation.