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He asked his partner to dance and stabbed her to death at a work party
An act of violence during a work celebration ended in femicide in Colombia and reignited the debate over protections for women at risk.
By  Santiago Guevara
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Colombia, Tragedia, caso, Workplace party femicide in Colombia
FOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

Posted on 12/23/25 at 16:03

A femicide during a work celebration has caused outrage and shock in Fusagasugá, Colombia.

María Ligia Garzón Ayala, 44, was stabbed to death by her former partner after he asked her to dance in front of dozens of coworkers.

The crime, captured on video, unfolded in a matter of seconds and ended the life of a woman who had already reported her aggressor for harassment and threats.

The case once again highlights the severity of femicide and the failures in protection mechanisms for women who warn authorities about dangerous situations.

A workplace party femicide shakes Colombia

The victim was enjoying a work party when William Barbosa, 42, entered the venue. In an environment filled with music, alcohol, and people dancing, the attacker approached his former partner and invited her to dance.

Nothing seemed unusual until, while holding her by the waist, he pulled out a knife and stabbed her at least three times.

The attack happened in front of multiple attendees, though many did not react immediately due to confusion, loud music, and alcohol consumption.

After the assault, Barbosa released the woman and fled the scene, leaving María critically injured.

Video footage shows María Ligia Garzón Ayala, still in shock, stepping back, looking at her chest and abdomen, and walking unsteadily toward the bathroom in an attempt to clean her wounds—without anyone yet realizing the seriousness of what had occurred.

Delayed help and a death that could have been prevented

Minutes later, coworkers understood that it was a serious attack and called emergency services.

María Ligia Garzón Ayala lost consciousness and was taken to a hospital, where she died hours later from her injuries.

According to the victim’s family, María had previously reported her former partner for ongoing harassment and threats.

Despite seeking help and warning about the danger, the measures taken were not enough to prevent the fatal outcome.

This has raised strong questions about institutional responses to gender violence reports and the lack of effective protection for women at risk.

Arrest of the attacker and calls for justice

William Barbosa was arrested by police at his home shortly after the crime.

Authorities say he confessed to the femicide and is now in custody.

He faces a possible sentence of more than 50 years in prison for murdering his former partner.

The killing of María Ligia Garzón Ayala has triggered widespread outrage on social media and among women’s rights organizations, which point to this workplace party femicide Colombia case as another example of a preventable tragedy that was not stopped in time.

The crime leaves a deep wound among family members, friends, and coworkers, and renews urgent calls to strengthen prevention, response, and protection systems so that no more women lose their lives after asking for help.

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