Authorities in Argentina say three young women were kidnapped, sexually assaulted, tortured, and executed in a massacre that was broadcast live on Instagram.

According to The US Sun, the victims were lured under false pretenses before being subjected to violence by a local drug trafficking gang. Police said the killings were carried out as part of a planned act of “narco revenge” and watched by dozens of people online as it happened.

Investigators identified the victims as 15-year-old Lara Gutierrez, 20-year-old Brenda del Castillo, and 21-year-old Morena Verdi. Two of the women were accused of stealing four kilos of cocaine from the gang, according to local media reports, which fueled what officials described as a targeted retaliation.

Gruesome details of killings uncovered

Police reported Gutierrez’s fingers were amputated before she was killed, highlighting the level of brutality involved. Del Castillo was found with a fractured skull and severe stomach injuries, while Verdi was suffocated using a plastic bag pulled tightly over her head.

The bodies of the three women were discovered buried in a garden after they had been missing for five days. Buenos Aires security minister Javier Alonso said they were last seen willingly entering a vehicle, unaware they were walking into a trap orchestrated by an international trafficking group.

The entire ordeal was streamed live on social media, where 45 users reportedly witnessed the rapes, torture, and killings as they unfolded. Authorities have since confirmed that several arrests have been made, while the alleged mastermind, identified as a Peruvian national, is believed to have fled the country.

Authorities link murders to organized crime

Alonso explained that the gang involved operates primarily out of Buenos Aires and had selected a house as the execution site for the murders. Officials described the crimes as directly tied to disputes within the drug trade.

“The families of the victims have been informed,” Alonso said while condemning the killings as part of a calculated and ruthless display of power. Local officials pointed to an ongoing pattern of targeted violence toward women caught in the crossfire of organized crime networks.

Investigators said the suspects planned the abductions by inviting the women to an “event,” gaining their trust before carrying out the attack. The calculated deception has further positioned the murders as an example of how cartels wield fear through staged executions.

Outrage grows after livestream femicide

Locals expressed anger over the triple femicide, calling it another example of systemic violence against women in Argentina. Community groups criticized the circulation of such violence on social media platforms, emphasizing the psychological toll on society.

The broadcast of the killings drew sharp concern from officials monitoring the use of social platforms by criminal organizations. Authorities said livestreamed executions not only terrorize communities but also serve as propaganda tools for gangs.

As details emerged, activists called for deeper government intervention against narco-violence and stricter regulation of content that allows torture and murder to be shared online. The case has inflamed Argentina’s broader debate on gender-based violence, organized crime, and digital accountability.

Lessons to Learn From This Tragedy

1. Always verify invitations, especially when young people are involved. The victims in this case believed they were attending a safe gathering. It's essential to confirm events with trusted individuals and seek more than one source of verification before going anywhere with unfamiliar people.

2. Be cautious when using social media and engaging with unfamiliar accounts. The gang used Instagram to both lure and broadcast their crime. Parents and individuals should remain vigilant about who they interact with online and what personal information they reveal.

3. Understand that no amount of caution guarantees safety. While situational awareness and cautious behavior can help, crime can happen to anyone, regardless of their choices. Blame lies solely with the perpetrators, never the victims.

Why This Story Matters

This event highlights the alarming intersection of social media and organized crime. It raises urgent questions about content moderation and abuse of digital platforms for violent acts. Public outrage and media attention can pressure authorities to act quickly and prevent future crimes. It also reminds communities worldwide of the far-reaching influence of drug violence. By understanding the details of these cases, we reaffirm our commitment to justice, advocate for technological accountability, and support victims' families as they seek answers.

Conclusion

Three young Argentine women fell victim to a gang's violent plot after being misled into attending a fake event. The drug trafficking group accused them of theft and subjected them to horrific torture and execution, broadcasting the crimes to dozens via Instagram. The gang had chosen the murder site in advance, buried the victims' bodies in the garden, and fled — though four suspects are now in custody and authorities continue to track the group's leader. Officials have described the act as narcissistic narco revenge, one that underscores growing challenges in policing both criminal networks and their disturbing use of social platforms.