Background and Context
In a shocking development, Argentine authorities have apprehended a fifth suspect in connection with the brutal murders of three women in Buenos Aires, including a teenager. The victims—Morena Verdi (20), Brenda del Castillo (20), and Lara Gutiérrez (15)—were last seen on September 19 when they entered a vehicle. Their dismembered bodies were discovered on September 24 in a residence in the southern periphery of Buenos Aires.
The gruesome crime has sent ripples through Argentina, prompting planned protests nationwide. A central march is scheduled to take place in the capital, starting from the historic Plaza de Mayo and concluding at the National Congress.
Investigation Details
According to the Buenos Aires provincial security minister, Javier Alonso, the victims were tortured and murdered in a house where their bodies were later buried. The crime was reportedly streamed live on social media to a closed group of approximately 45 individuals, possibly as an act of intimidation following a drug theft.
Meta, the parent company of Instagram, denied that the alleged live stream occurred on their platform. A Meta spokesperson stated, “We have found no evidence to suggest that this live stream took place on Instagram. Our team continues to cooperate with the investigation of this horrific crime.”
Arrests and Charges
Five individuals have now been detained in relation to the triple murder case, comprising three men and two women. The latest arrest was made on Friday night in Villazón, Bolivia, where a suspect was apprehended at a hotel just 600 meters from Argentina’s Jujuy province, thanks to cross-border police collaboration.
The suspect is accused of providing logistical support with a vehicle. All arrested individuals face charges of “aggravated homicide by ambush,” as per Gonzalo Fuenzalida, the attorney for the youngest victim.
Key Suspects
Authorities have identified and sought the capture of a 20-year-old Peruvian man known as “Pequeño J,” believed to be the mastermind behind the crimes. His alleged criminal base of operations is Zavaleta, a marginal neighborhood in Buenos Aires’ south.
Additionally, a 23-year-old man is being pursued as “Pequeño J’s” primary lieutenant.
“These are preventive measures; we don’t know if they’re in the country or not,” stated Bullrich to Radio Mitre.
Victims’ Lives
The three women, one of whom was a mother to a one-year-old baby, resided in a destitute Buenos Aires neighborhood.
“They were in the wrong place at the wrong time with the wrong people; that’s all,” Federico Celedón, 26 and a cousin of Morena and Brenda, told AFP.
Reports suggest that the victims encountered their killers under the guise of a job offer in the sex trade, according to anonymous sources cited by media outlets.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who are the victims? The victims are Morena Verdi (20), Brenda del Castillo (20), and Lara Gutiérrez (15).
- What are the charges against the suspects? The suspects face charges of “aggravated homicide by ambush.”
- Who is the primary suspect? A 20-year-old Peruvian man known as “Pequeño J” is believed to be the mastermind.
- What was the nature of the crime? The victims were tortured, murdered, and their bodies were dismembered and buried.
- How was the crime reportedly streamed? The crime was allegedly live-streamed on social media to a closed group of around 45 individuals.
- What is the status of the investigation? Meta has denied that the live stream occurred on Instagram, and their team continues to cooperate with authorities.
