Mexico City authorities investigate fatal shooting of former beauty pageant queen

Authorities in Mexico City have launched a formal investigation into the fatal shooting of Carolina Flores Gómez, a former beauty queen found dead in her upscale Polanco apartment.

The 27-year-old, who won the Miss Teen Universe Baja California title in 2017, was discovered with a gunshot wound to the head on 15 April.

Investigators are currently scrutinising the alleged involvement of her mother-in-law, Erika Maria, following claims made by the victim's husband, Alejandro Gómez.

Reports suggest that both the husband and mother-in-law were present at the residence when the incident occurred in the kitchen.

The case has drawn significant public attention due to a suspected delay in reporting the shooting, which was not reported to the police until the following day.

Despite the high-end nature of the neighbourhood, building staff reportedly did not hear any gunshots, leading officials to examine the possibility of evidence tampering.

Prosecutors are currently treating the case under femicide protocols, a classification used for gender-based crimes.

While no arrests have been officially made, the husband allegedly stated, "My mother shot her during an argument with my wife," according to reports from El Universal.

Originally from Ensenada, Gómez was a well-known model and social media content creator who had recently celebrated the birth of her son.

Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila has emphasised that the investigation is a top priority, stating that "crimes targeting women must never go unpunished."

Beyond her pageant success, Gómez was a beloved figure in her local community who had recently begun focusing on her new life in the capital.