Paula Carlej fatally stabbed at café in Pinchote

A 23-year-old woman, Paula Carlej Coca Mursia, was fatally stabbed at her workplace on 1 November at about 12:40 in a café in Pinchote, in the Santander region of Colombia. Authorities say a 63-year-old man attacked her after entering the establishment and speaking with her.

Video evidence and probe

Part of the assault was captured by a security camera inside the café. The footage shows the suspect talking with the victim before suddenly drawing a knife and beginning the attack. A second person who was present attempted to intervene, but Paula suffered severe injuries.

Emergency services transported the victim to a hospital in nearby San Gil where doctors tried to save her life, but she died from her wounds. The suspect reportedly tried to flee the scene but was located and arrested shortly afterward.

Witnesses say the 63-year-old had shown persistent romantic interest in Paula for months and that she had repeatedly declined his advances. According to testimony, the man threatened her shortly before the attack, saying, "If she can't be mine, she won't be anyone's."

Investigators have opened a criminal inquiry to determine the full circumstances: the relationship between the suspect and the victim, any prior contacts or threats, and other relevant details. Prosecutors will consider the CCTV recordings and eyewitness statements as key pieces of evidence.

The killing has stirred shock and grief in Pinchote. Family, friends and residents are demanding justice while the case renews public debate in Colombia about violence against women and the warning signs of obsessive or jealous behaviour that can escalate into lethal attacks.

Photo: press material from the event