5 Chilling Facts About The Ms. Pac-Man Murder Case: Alejandra Ico Chub's Tragic Femicide

The Ms. Pac-Man Murder is one of the internet's most disturbing and sensationalized true crime stories, yet the real-life tragedy of the victim, Alejandra Ico Chub, is often lost behind the macabre nickname. As of December 15, 2025, the details of this horrific 2018 femicide from Guatemala remain a stark reminder of gender-based violence and the dark side of viral content, with the perpetrator, Mario Tut Ikal, now serving a lengthy sentence. This comprehensive article delves into the authenticated facts, the people involved, and the legal outcome of the case that shocked the world. The case gained its notoriety not from the arcade game itself, but from the gruesome nature of the crime, which was filmed and subsequently leaked online, leading to the sickening "Ms. Pac-Man" moniker used in dark corners of the internet. By focusing on the real people and the confirmed legal facts, we can provide a crucial, updated perspective on this tragedy.

The Victims and Perpetrator: A Biographical Profile

The true story of the Ms. Pac-Man murder revolves around two central figures: the victim, Alejandra Ico Chub, and her killer, Mario Tut Ikal.

Alejandra Ico Chub (Victim)

• Full Name: Alejandra Ico Chub (sometimes Ikochub)
• Date of Birth: c. 1985 or 1986
• Place of Birth: Teleman, Altaverapas, Guatemala
• Date of Death: October 29, 2018 (Age 32)
• Circumstances: Victim of femicide by her husband, Mario Tut Ikal.
• Early Life: Tragically, Alejandra was orphaned at the age of three.
• Case Nickname: Unknowingly became the subject of the viral "Ms. Pac-Man murder" video due to the nature of her injuries.

Mario Tut Ikal (Perpetrator)

• Full Name: Mario Tut Ikal (sometimes Ical)
• Date of Birth: July 3, 1977
• Place of Birth: San Miguel el Limon, Altaverapas, Guatemala
• Occupation: Worked as a security guard at a palm oil manufacturer, 'Palmas del Ixcán.'
• Relationship to Victim: Husband of Alejandra Ico Chub.
• Crime: Femicide (murder of a woman, often by a male partner, specifically in Guatemala’s legal context).
• Sentence: Convicted and sentenced to 50 years in prison for the murder of his wife.

The True Story Behind the Ms. Pac-Man Murder

The incident that became known globally by its sensationalist title occurred in the Altaverapas region of Guatemala in 2018. It was a domestic tragedy that spiraled into an international true crime curiosity due to the rapid, unregulated spread of graphic video footage. The crime was a brutal act of femicide, a term specifically used in many Latin American countries, including Guatemala, to classify the murder of a woman by a man because of her gender. This classification acknowledges the systemic nature of violence against women.

1. The Date, Location, and Gruesome Weapon

The murder of Alejandra Ico Chub took place on the night of Monday, October 29, 2018, in her home in the Altaverapas department of Guatemala. The perpetrator was her husband, Mario Tut Ikal. The weapon used in the horrific crime was a machete, which he used to mutilate his wife while she was on her bed. The brutality of the attack is what tragically led to the viral nickname.

2. The Macabre Origin of the "Ms. Pac-Man" Nickname

The term "Ms. Pac-Man murder" does not refer to the classic arcade game's plot or setting. Instead, it is a grotesque nickname given to the case because of the graphic nature of the video footage that was leaked and circulated online. The video, which reportedly showed Alejandra Ico Chub's final moments and the extent of the mutilation, was given the moniker by online communities due to the severe, disfiguring injuries to her face, which they compared to the distinctive mouth of the Ms. Pac-Man video game character. This viral spread is a key entity in the case's notoriety, highlighting the ethical debate around true crime content and gore on the internet.

3. The Crime: A Case of Femicide

The murder of Alejandra Ico Chub is officially classified as a femicide in Guatemala. Femicide is a legal and sociological term for the intentional killing of women or girls because they are female. Guatemala has one of the highest rates of femicide in the world, and this case is frequently cited as a tragic example of domestic violence escalating to the ultimate level. The motive was reportedly related to a domestic dispute between Alejandra and Mario Tut Ikal.

The Legal Aftermath and Conviction of Mario Tut Ikal

For a time, there was confusion in international online forums about the status of Mario Tut Ikal, with some older posts suggesting he was still a fugitive. However, the legal system in Guatemala successfully brought the perpetrator to justice, providing a definitive conclusion to the case.

4. The 50-Year Sentence for the Killer

Mario Tut Ikal was apprehended and faced trial for the murder of his wife. The Guatemalan justice system ultimately convicted him of the horrific crime. On August 29 (following the 2018 murder), Tut Ikal was sentenced to 50 years in prison for the femicide of Alejandra Ico Chub. This lengthy sentence reflects the severity and brutality of the crime under Guatemalan law, which is designed to severely punish acts of gender-based violence.

5. The Broader Context of Femicide in Guatemala

While the sensational nature of the "Ms. Pac-Man" video made it a viral entity, the core of the story is the grim reality of femicide in Guatemala. The country continues to struggle with high rates of violence against women, where impunity is often a major issue. Alejandra Ico Chub's case, while horrific, brought a painful spotlight to the thousands of women and girls who have suffered violent deaths in the country. Her story serves as a rallying cry for activists and a reminder that the victim was a real person with a life and a family, not just a viral video subject. The conviction of Mario Tut Ikal is a critical step in a country grappling with this issue, demonstrating that accountability can be achieved even in the most brutal of domestic violence cases. True crime enthusiasts and those seeking the full story must look beyond the shocking nickname to understand the deeper, systemic issues that led to Alejandra Ico Chub's tragic death.