Seventh Suspect Detained in Argentina Over Horrific Live-Streamed Killings
The law enforcement agencies in Argentina have apprehended a woman believed to be connected to the horrific deaths of three young females. The 30-year-old woman was taken into custody as she was exiting a local television studio where she had appeared for an interview.
The Latest Arrest
The woman captured most recently is the relative of a man who was detained last week on the grounds of providing operational support to the perpetrators. This man, her uncle, was caught in Bolivia after he escaped from Argentina. He stands accused of operating a vehicle that facilitated the transport of the victims to the location of their merciless execution.
Surveillance camera footage from that fateful night places the woman in the same vehicle with her uncle. Despite this, she maintained her innocence in the interview, firmly stating that she had no involvement in the triple murder.
A Brutal Crime Tied to Drug Cartels
The lifeless bodies of Morena Verdi and Brenda del Castillo, both 20 years old, and 15-year-old Lara Gutierrez were discovered on Wednesday, September 24, in a backyard in a southern suburb of Buenos Aires, the country's capital. The girls had been missing for five days, having been deceived into climbing into a van under the impression of going to a party.
Their brutal torture and subsequent killing, which has been linked to drug traffickers, was allegedly broadcast live on Instagram to an exclusive group of 45 individuals. Investigators believe this was intended as a severe punishment for breaking gang rules and to serve as a stern warning to other gang members.
With this most recent arrest, a total of seven individuals are now in custody in connection with these atrocious killings. In addition, Argentine police have issued arrest warrants for a 20-year-old Peruvian, believed to be the mastermind behind the murders, and his alleged second-in-command.
Public Outrage and Protests
The savage killings sparked widespread public outrage, prompting large-scale protests over the weekend. Thousands of people took to the streets, marching towards Parliament in Buenos Aires demanding justice for the three young victims.
"Women need to be safeguarded more than ever," pleaded Leonel del Castillo, father of one of the deceased, during the protest march. The Buenos Aires governor, Axel Kicillof, referred to the killings as a "narco-femicide."
Argentina's Struggles with Gender-Based Violence
Argentina has a disturbingly high incidence of gender violence, with femicides, or killings targeting women and girls, witnessing a steep rise in recent years. This escalating trend coincides with the current administration, led by President Javier Milei, targeting women's programs.
Earlier this year, President Milei declared that his government plans to eliminate the crime of femicide from the penal code. In a surprising move in November 2024, Argentina was the only country to vote against a United Nations resolution advocating the termination of all forms of online violence against women and girls. Furthermore, earlier in the year, Milei permanently disbanded the government agency tasked with promoting gender equality and addressing gender-based violence.