In a shocking incident that has sent ripples of outrage across Argentina, thousands gathered in the capital, Buenos Aires, on Saturday to demand justice for the brutal murders of two young women and a 15-year-old girl. The disturbing nature of the crime, which was livestreamed on social media by a suspected drug gang, has sparked a nationwide call for action against gender violence and the growing influence of narcotrafficking.
The victims, 20-year-old cousins Morena Verdi and Brenda del Castillo, alongside their 15-year-old friend Lara Gutierrez, went missing on September 19 after being lured into a van under the pretense of attending a party. Their bodies were discovered buried in a yard in a southern Buenos Aires suburb five days later, igniting widespread anger and sorrow among the public.
Authorities revealed that the killings were part of a gang’s plan to “punish” the victims for allegedly violating gang code, aimed at instilling fear in the community. During the investigation, police uncovered a video of the gruesome act after a suspect disclosed its existence during questioning. In the footage, a gang leader chillingly declares, “This is what happens to those who steal drugs from me,” underscoring the horrific motivations behind the crime.
Details surrounding the torture inflicted on the victims are harrowing; reports indicate that they suffered severe abuse, including mutilation and physical violence. The heinous nature of the murders has reignited discussions on femicide in Argentina, where violence against women remains a critical issue.
As the protests unfolded, a mix of emotions filled the air—grief, anger, and a strong demand for accountability. While many demonstrators marched peacefully, some faced clashes with police, who used batons and shields to disperse the crowd. Footage from the scene depicted the tension as protesters voiced their frustrations not only about the specific murders but also the broader systemic issues of violence against women in Argentina.
Amid the sea of demonstrators, family members of the victims displayed banners emblazoned with the names of the deceased—“Lara, Brenda, Morena”—and carried placards bearing their images. Brenda’s father, Leonel del Castillo, poignantly remarked on the need for enhanced protections for women, sharing the traumatic experience of being unable to recognize his daughter’s body due to the horrific injuries she endured. His plea echoed the sentiments of many protesters, with slogans like “It was a narco-femicide!” and “Our lives are not disposable!” resonating throughout the crowd.
The protest also served as a criticism of President Javier Milei’s administration, as demonstrators condemned what they described as a lack of effective action against the escalating narco-violence in the country. Some protesters went as far as burning images of Milei and his political allies, expressing their discontent with the current government’s handling of crime and public safety.
The situation has prompted government officials to take action, with National Security Minister Patricia Bullrich announcing the arrest of a fifth suspect in connection with the case, adding to the three men and one woman previously detained. This latest suspect, apprehended in the Bolivian border city of Villazon, is accused of providing logistical support for the crime. Authorities have also released a photograph of the alleged mastermind, a 20-year-old Peruvian who remains at large.
In response to the outcry, Meta, the parent company of Instagram, has disputed claims that the livestream of the murders took place on its platform, according to reports. This denial has added another layer of complexity to the already fraught narrative surrounding the case and the discourse on social media’s role in violent incidents.
As Argentina grapples with the repercussions of this tragedy, the protests serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for societal change. Advocates are calling for stricter measures to combat gender-based violence and the pervasive influence of drug gangs, demanding justice not only for the victims but for all women who face the threat of violence in their daily lives. The movement is gaining momentum, as more people recognize that these tragic events are not isolated incidents but part of a larger, systemic issue that must be addressed.
