Argentine authorities have confirmed the detention of a fifth individual linked to the horrific torture and homicide of two young women and a teenage girl, a case that has deeply shaken the nation and reignited protests against violence targeting women.
The victims-20-year-old cousins Morena Verdi and Brenda Del Castillo, along with 15-year-old Lara Gutierrez-had been missing for five days before their remains were uncovered buried in a backyard in a southern Buenos Aires suburb on Wednesday, September 25.
Investigations suggest the murders were connected to drug trafficking operations and served as a brutal message to those who might defy local criminal groups. Disturbingly, officials disclosed that the assault was broadcast live on a private Instagram account, with approximately 45 viewers witnessing the crime in real time.
Patricia Bullrich, Argentina’s National Security Minister, announced the latest arrest, which brings the total suspects in custody to five-three men and two women. The newest suspect was captured in Villazón, a city on the Bolivian border, following a joint operation between Argentine and Bolivian law enforcement. Authorities claim this individual aided the gang by providing transportation.
According to law enforcement sources, the victims were deceived into thinking they were heading to a social gathering. Instead, they were forced into a van and subjected to what officials described as “disciplinary action” for allegedly breaching gang rules. One detainee revealed the existence of the video to police, leading to its discovery. In the recording, a gang leader is heard stating, “This is the fate of those who steal my drugs.”
Local news outlets have reported harrowing details of the victims enduring mutilation and suffocation prior to their deaths.
This tragedy has sparked widespread indignation across Argentina, a country already struggling with alarming rates of femicide. Activists have organized nationwide protests, including a major demonstration in Buenos Aires, demanding enhanced safeguards for women and girls.
Meanwhile, Meta, Instagram’s parent company, has denied that the live broadcast occurred on its platform. “We have found no evidence supporting the claim that the livestream took place on Instagram. Our team remains in close collaboration with law enforcement as the investigation continues,” a company spokesperson told AFP.
On Friday, funeral processions escorted Verdi and Del Castillo to a cemetery near Buenos Aires for private interments, while Gutierrez was buried at a separate site.
The shocking nature of these murders, coupled with the brazenness of streaming such violence online, has left Argentina in a state of grief and outrage. Advocates emphasize that this case highlights the critical need for comprehensive reforms to shield vulnerable populations and dismantle the pervasive reach of organized crime.
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