Suspect Arrested in Feminicide of Dayra Michell Near La Paz

Authorities in Baja California Sur arrested a 50-year-old man on April 15 in connection with the feminicide of 18-year-old Dayra Michell Geraldo Mendoza in the community of Los Planes, near La Paz. The suspect, identified as Manuel “N,” alias “El Loquera,” had been hiding in mountainous terrain for six days before police captured him.

Baja California Sur Attorney General Antonio López Rodríguez confirmed the arrest, which came after a coordinated operation involving La Paz Municipal Police and the state Directorate of Public Safety. Officers located the suspect while he attempted to flee through brush near a ranch close to Los Planes, roughly 45 minutes southeast of La Paz.

Victim Lured to Suspect’s Home

Dayra Michell was last seen alive on April 9 in the Colonia Centro area of Los Planes. She was reported missing that same day. Her body was found on April 11 at a home linked to the suspect.

Prosecutors say the young woman regularly visited the property to help with cleaning and food preparation for Manuel “N,” who was identified as her employer. According to the state attorney general’s office (PGJE), investigators determined the suspect lured her to his residence under the pretense of needing help before fatally attacking her. The victim had injuries to her face and head.

Reports Indicate Victim May Have Been Pregnant

Multiple Mexican news outlets reported that Dayra Michell may have been pregnant at the time of her death, based on information she had posted on social media. Authorities have not officially confirmed this detail.

The case has been classified as aggravated feminicide. Under Mexican law, feminicide carries heavier penalties than standard homicide charges and applies when a woman is killed under specific circumstances, including gender-based violence or a power imbalance between victim and perpetrator. The 32-year age gap between the suspect and the victim, combined with the employer-employee relationship, factored into the classification.

Suspect Faces Arraignment

Manuel “N” was turned over to the Ministerio Público and is now in custody of the PGJE’s Specialized Unit for Feminicide Investigation. Prosecutors plan to present him before a Control Judge, where they will seek formal arraignment based on evidence gathered during the six-day investigation.

Los Planes is a small agricultural community about 60 kilometers southeast of La Paz, popular among expats and off-grid residents for its quiet rural character. The case was first reported by Colectivo Pericú and covered widely by Mexican outlets including BCS Noticias, Infobae, and Milenio.