The femicidal, brutal murder of three young women in Argentina has set off protests all over that country and now worldwide… Demanding justice! On Wednesday, authorities found the bodies of Brenda del Castillo, 20, Morena Verri, 20, and Lara Gutiérrez, 15, buried in a Buenos Aires suburb. This devastating conclusion was reached just five days after they’d reportedly been killed. It quickly became more heinous when it emerged that their torturous deaths were broadcast on social media. Yet an audience of about 45 people sat glued and horrified to the screen as this sordid unfolding played out.
12 Brenda’s mother, Paula, spoke of her heartbreak and fought for justice for her daughter. She added, in tears, “I want them all behind bars.”
Officials think the victims were duped into accepting an invitation to a home in Florencio Varela, southeast of Buenos Aires, in order to go to a party. Upon initial arrival, they were greeted with allegations of being drug thieves. Investigators suspect that the attack is related to a feud between a drug cartel. It reads like an act of revenge for some purported theft.
Buenos Aires Province Governor Axel Kicillof dubbed the event a “narco-femicide.” He said that it represents the larger issue of violence against women in Argentina. He provided an update on arrests, confirming that authorities have arrested six people as part of the investigation. At the same time, investigators are still on the lookout for six other suspects.
As noted above, the case has resonated around the country. Thousands have taken to the streets in protest, passionately demanding accountability for the murderers and justice for the victims. The mothers of the three young women, including Paula, addressed the media, emphasizing the urgent need for action against gender-based violence.
Casa del Encuentro, a women’s rights advocacy group, recently shared a disturbing trend in Argentina. Specifically, in only the first eight months of 2025, there were 164 femicides. The recent spike in femicides has caused an upsurge in anger and protest as citizens take to the streets to fight back against gender-based violence.
“This is what happens to anyone who steals drugs from me.” – Source Unknown
As investigations continue, more information about this tragic case continues to emerge. Our collective demand for justice will continue to be loud, strong, and unapologetic.
