A Colombian woman was tragically killed in the United States on Tuesday, January 9th, in what is suspected to be a femicide. Liliana Concha, who had been living in the US for several years, was allegedly murdered by her former romantic partner, Gerardo Obando, before he took his own life. The authorities in Raleigh, North Carolina responded to a call about a suicide threat, only to discover the bodies of both Concha and Obando, both with gunshot wounds. Concha, a 55-year-old mother of two and native of Medellín, was well-loved in the Latin community and worked at a real estate investment company in Raleigh.
Although Obando and Concha had broken up approximately two years ago, they maintained contact as work partners, which provided the opportunity for the fatal meeting. While authorities have not confirmed whether Obando murdered her, it is the prevailing hypothesis. Concha’s brother has urged those struggling with mental health issues to seek help, sharing that his sister was a victim of someone who suffered from mental health issues.
Friends and co-workers have mourned Concha’s death, recalling her as hard-working, enterprising, and always smiling. Those witnesses to abuse or violence against women are encouraged to contact the national line 155 or report it to the Attorney General’s Office at 018000919748. The case has sparked further concern and conversation about the prevalence of femicide and the need for stronger support systems for victims of abuse.