Neighborhood Shooting Leaves Several Injured and Residents Seeking Justice
On a pleasant Tuesday evening in the Ituzaingó neighborhood of Montevideo, a sense of tranquility was disrupted by a sudden and violent incident. Families were enjoying the evening on their patios when two men on a motorcycle opened fire on one of the homes.
The homeowner, Lorena Barreto, stated that the perpetrators were targeting her, but fortunately, she was unharmed. However, her sister, a 34-year-old woman, was severely injured and is currently in serious condition. Lorena’s 5-year-old nephew was also shot and is being treated at the Pereira Rossell hospital, where he is listed in stable condition.
A 71-year-old neighbor was also caught in the crossfire and sustained injuries. Lorena revealed that she knows the perpetrators and believes they intended to kill her. She attributed their motive to her role as a protected witness in a 2019 homicide case, which she claimed had put her in the crosshairs of the shooter.
A History of Threats and Unanswered Complaints
According to Lorena, the shooter had previously targeted her family, killing her husband in 2022. She had filed eight complaints with the police against the attacker, citing his violent tendencies and penchant for intimidating others. Despite her efforts, the perpetrator remained at large, and Lorena expressed frustration that it took a violent incident for the authorities to take action.
The perpetrator was reportedly armed and had a history of violent behavior, with Lorena describing him as someone who “shuts people’s mouths” and has conflicts with multiple individuals. She urged the authorities to take action, emphasizing that this individual posed a significant threat to the community.
The Aftermath and Investigation
The two attackers, aged 28 and 33, were found to have been shot and are currently in serious condition. The police suspect that a man who was with the victims at the time of the shooting may have retaliated, injuring the perpetrators. However, Lorena disputed this account, claiming that she did not know who had shot them.
The police seized evidence from the scene, including an empty magazine with a capacity for 30 rounds, two shell casings, and a projectile. None of the victims have a criminal record, highlighting the senseless nature of the attack.
As the investigation continues, Lorena and her family seek justice for the harm inflicted upon them. The community remains shaken, and concerns about public safety have been raised.