The killings of a longtime market vendor and her daughter have shaken Cuenca after both women were found dead inside their home on the night of May 3.
The victims were identified as Ana María Tosi Mejía, 69, a well-known hornado vendor at the 12 de Abril Market, and her daughter, Ana Lucía Tosi Mejía, 52, a lawyer.
Investigators are examining the case under an initial theory of robbery resulting in death, though police say other possibilities remain open because of the violence involved.
At the 12 de Abril Market, coworkers gathered around Ana María’s empty stand to leave flowers, candles, and black ribbons in her memory. Known by many as “Doña Anita,” she was remembered as one of the market’s founders and a familiar presence for decades.
Friends and coworkers said she worked normally through the May 1 holiday weekend and had shown no signs of concern or conflict.
Vendors described her as hardworking and deeply connected to the market community. Her daughter often accompanied her at the stand and helped with the business.
One coworker recalled sharing horchata and bread with Ana María at the end of Sunday’s workday, unaware it would be their final conversation after more than four decades of friendship.
Police said the attack happened around 10:30 p.m. Sunday inside the family’s home on De los Cerezos Avenue.
The two bodies were discovered in different parts of the residence, one in the dining area and the other in a bedroom. Both victims had their hands and feet bound, and one had suffered a head injury.
Investigators collected evidence from the scene, including packing tape, while reviewing multiple lines of investigation.
Police noted signs of disorder inside the home and said jewelry may have been missing, but investigators also expressed doubts that the crime was solely a robbery because of the level of violence used.
The case remains under investigation.