Cristina Siekavizza

Who is Cristina Siekavizza?

Cristina Siekavizza is a woman whose disappearance in Guatemala City on 7 July 2011 resulted in an extensive national news coverage.

The case was origninally thought to be a kidnapping, and private investigators were hired to solve the case. After several weeks passed without a call from the alleged kidnappers, the case was turned over to the Guatemalan police. As the police began to investigate, they found incriminating evidence against Cristina's husband, Roberto Barreda, for the possible murder of his missing wife. On August 3, 2011, Roberto Barreda disappeared with their 2 children: Roberto Jose-age 7 and Maria Mercedes – age 4. There is in international warrant for the arrest of Roberto Barreda in connection with the disappearance and possible murder of his wife Cristina Siekavizza. On October 21, 2011, Roberto Barreda's mother, Beatriz Ofelia de Leon, ex-magistrate of the Supreme Court of Guatemala, was arrested for corruption of justice in the Siekavizza case.

Cristina's disappearance, and possible murder, have moved Guatemalans to demand justice against a growing epidemic of femecide happening in their country. Cristina's family has organized marches throughout Guatemala City to support victims of domestic violence. Cristina Siekavizza's case has dominated the Guatemalan press since news of Siekavizza’s disappearance went public.