Story By: Juan Fenandez Mayes, Sub-Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Newsflash
This 13-year-old girl was raped and killed during the COVID-19 lockdown after her mother reportedly went out to stock up on food.
Ana Paola’s lifeless body was found in a bedroom at her home in the city of Nogales located in the northern Mexican state of Sonora, bordering the US states of Arizona and New Mexico, with signs of violence.
According to local media, the victim’s unnamed mother had left the house shortly before to do the shopping as permitted under current COVID-19 lockdown laws.
During that time, someone broke into the house and reportedly raped and murdered the 13-year-old.
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According to local media, nothing was stolen.
The victim’s mother was first alerted when her ex-partner called to say that he was unable to get hold of their daughter.
She rushed back to her house only to find the police there.
A police statement said: “The victim was found in one of the bedrooms and signs of violence to her face, apparently from blows.
“The father of the underage person contacted the mother over the phone where he revealed the 13-year-old girl had gone missing. She arrived at her home which was already secured by officers of the Municipal Police.”
A family member said: “Someone broke into my cousin’s house in Nogales. They raped and killed my niece, who was 13 years old.
“Any thoughts of solidarity, citizenship and economy are pointless. Today, Mexico, the government and the world, do not count on me anymore.”
The victim’s mother said on social media: “There are no words to explain my feelings. I just want to be thankful that my girl lived and shined on Earth for 13 years and from today, will shine in the sky dancing for eternity.”
The incident sparked outrage and the hashtag #JusticiaParaAnaPaola (Justice for Ana Paola) has trended.
The girl’s death also caused resentment on social networks regarding the COVID-19 lockdown.
There have been no reports of any arrests and the investigation is ongoing.
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