Pregnant woman's body found without baby in Colombia

The murder of María Camila Potosí, a 21-year-old woman eight months pregnant, has sparked outrage in Colombia after her body was found without the baby she was carrying. Her remains were discovered on July 20 in La Buitrera, a rural area of Cali, four days after she disappeared. The case has drawn national attention and prompted a strong response from authorities and the president-elect.

The crime

María Camila was last seen on July 16, captured by security cameras riding a motorcycle driven by a woman identified as Yulieth, now the prime suspect Source: El Tiempo. The body showed signs of torture and multiple stab wounds Source: Heraldo de México. The necropsy confirmed the baby, due on August 12, was no longer in her womb Source: Milenio. Her mother, Alba Ruby Gómez, said she was told "the baby was not there" Source: Hoy.

Investigation and reward

Authorities are focusing on Yulieth, who has given contradictory statements. Her ex-partner, Carlos Rincón, testified that she had allegedly faked two pregnancies during their relationship Source: El Colombiano. Rincón also claimed he and his family turned her in to police, though this has not been officially confirmed. The reward for information leading to arrests has been raised to 200 million pesos (about $48,000) by the mayor of Cali, with an additional 100 million from the department Source: Hoy.

Political reaction

President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella condemned the crime, vowing that from his inauguration on August 7, "the policy will be to protect our women" Source: Infobae. He called for relentless pursuit of the criminals. The case has underscored the epidemic of gender-based violence in Cali, where 49 women have been killed so far in 2026 Source: Heraldo de México.