Leyla Monserrat Murder: Outrage Over Lenient Sentences in Sonora

Public outrage has grown in Sonora following the issuance of minimum sentences for two female adolescents convicted of the femicide of 15-year-old Leyla Monserrat Lares Becerra.

The case, which involved the recording of the crime on video, has sparked indignation among the community and the victim’s family due to the leniency of the penalties imposed on the perpetrators.

Details of the Crime

Leyla Monserrat Lares Becerra was reported missing on September 25, 2025. Her body was later located on October 1, 2025, in the El Desierto ejido, situated in the municipality of General Plutarco Elías Calles, also known as Sonoyta.

According to forensic reports provided by the Sonora State Attorney General’s Office (FGJES), the teenager was murdered through mechanical asphyxiation. Investigations established that Monserrat was deceived by two other teenagers, who took her to a residence where they deprived her of life by suffocation.

Evidence gathered during the investigation revealed that the perpetrators recorded the act of killing the 15-year-old on video.

The Investigation and Suspects

The FGJES initially focused its investigation on an adult male identified as Martín N, known by the aliases El Kalusha and Minimi. However, this lead was closed after Martín N was found dead; his identity was subsequently confirmed by forensic experts through fingerprint matching.

The investigation shifted after new evidence was submitted to the case file. A search of the home where the events took place led to the discovery of the victim’s body and significant material evidence that confirmed the involvement of two female adolescents, aged 13 and 15.

The two suspects were identified by the victim’s family and friends as former associates of Monserrat. Unofficial reports suggest the motive for the crime was a personal dispute involving a romantic relationship.

Legal Proceedings and Sentencing

The two minors were detained and placed under the jurisdiction of the national law of the Comprehensive Adolescent Criminal Justice System. This legal framework provides for less severe penalties for offenders under the age of 18 compared to those applied in adult criminal courts.

Recent reports indicate that the resulting sentences were minimal. One of the adolescents was sentenced to less than three years, while the other has already been released.

The mother of Leyla Monserrat has publicly called for a review of these sentences, citing the severity and malicious intent of the crime.

The victim’s family and friends had previously launched a vigorous social media campaign to ensure the case remained public and to demand exemplary punishment for the perpetrators.

The FGJES stated that it continues to coordinate with state and federal agencies to strengthen prevention measures against gender-based violence in Sonora, specifically focusing on the protection of girls and adolescents.