The Incident
On Sunday afternoon, an 11-month-old baby named Cataleya died and her 18-year-old mother, Micaela T., was seriously wounded by a gunshot inside a home on San Judas street in Villa Diamante, Lanús. The police were alerted via a 911 call about two people with gunshot wounds arriving at the local UPA. An ambulance transferred both to the Hospital Evita de Lanús.[S1]
The baby had a bullet wound entering the left side of her abdomen and exiting through her right thigh. Despite medical efforts, she died shortly after arrival. Her mother was shot in the back, also with an exit wound, and underwent emergency surgery. Her condition is reported as serious and unstable.[S1]
The Suspect and the Investigation
E.A.B., 22, the baby's paternal uncle and brother of the father, was arrested. Initial testimonies suggest he was handling a pistol when a shot went off, hitting both victims. The exact mechanics are still under investigation. The case is being handled by the UFI N°8 Descentralizada de Avellaneda-Lanús, with charges of aggravated homicide for the use of a firearm, consummated and attempted.[S1][S2]
A key mystery is the disappearance of the weapon. It was not found at the scene, and two urgent searches in nearby properties yielded only two cell phones and a replica firearm, not the actual weapon. A subsequent search based on family testimony also failed to locate the pistol. The investigation continues.[S1][S2]
Community Reaction
The death has shocked the neighborhood. Alejandro Crespo, who runs the Los Risueños soup kitchen in the nearby 10 de Enero neighborhood, said he knew the family, who lived two blocks away and occasionally visited. He noted that his daughter-in-law is the sister of the baby's mother. He mentioned that various unconfirmed versions circulate about a possible argument between the brothers over money or a fight with the woman.[S1]
Crespo also highlighted the neighbors' concern about the missing weapon, with rumors that it might have been removed from the house. This is part of the judicial investigation. Meanwhile, residents blocked the street to demand justice for the baby and show support for her mother, who remains hospitalized in serious condition.[S1][S2]
