Background and Context
Sandra Lucía Téllez, one of the administrators of the ABC Daycare in Hermosillo, Mexico, has been arrested by US authorities for her role in a tragic fire that claimed the lives of 49 children in June 2009. The incident occurred at a public daycare facility subcontracted by the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS).
The Tragedy
On June 5, 2009, a devastating fire broke out at the ABC Daycare in Hermosillo, Sonora. The official investigation concluded that the fire started due to overheating in the air conditioning system of a nearby government office. Tragically, the daycare’s two emergency exits were blocked.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
In 2016, a federal judge sentenced Téllez to 28 years in prison for negligent homicide. However, her sentence was later reduced to five years of house arrest in a subsequent appeal.
Despite the reduced sentence, Téllez failed to comply with the conditions of her house arrest and fled to the United States, according to Mexico’s Fiscal General.
International Recognition and Support
In 2020, the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) accepted the case of the ABC Daycare fire for analysis, highlighting the gravity and international implications of the tragedy.
Other Responsible Parties
Another administrator of the daycare was also convicted of negligent homicide, while two others were acquitted, according to the Miguel Agustín Pro Juárez Human Rights Center, which represents the families of the victims.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Sandra Lucía Téllez? Sandra Lucía Téllez was one of the administrators of the ABC Daycare in Hermosillo, Mexico, where a tragic fire killed 49 children in 2009.
- What happened during the fire? The fire started due to overheating in the air conditioning system of a nearby government office. The daycare’s emergency exits were blocked, contributing to the tragedy.
- What was Téllez’s legal status? After being initially sentenced to 28 years in prison for negligent homicide, Téllez’s sentence was later reduced to five years of house arrest. She failed to comply with these conditions and fled to the United States.
- What international organizations are involved? The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) accepted the case for analysis, recognizing its gravity and international implications.
- What happened to the other administrators? Another administrator was convicted of negligent homicide, while two others were acquitted.
