The quiet of a downtown Maldonado clinic was shattered recently by an unspeakable act of violence. A 13-year-old girl, visiting for a speech therapy appointment, was fatally shot. Her own father, a 58-year-old retired military officer, fired the shots. Moments later, he turned the firearm on himself.
The man had walked into the interdisciplinary center, clearly intending to take his daughter away. When she refused to go with him, he unleashed multiple shots. He then shot himself in the head. The young girl died at the scene from her severe injuries. Her father was rushed to a nearby health center in critical condition, but he passed away hours later that Tuesday afternoon.
This tragic incident had roots in a complicated family situation. The teenager was in the process of being linked with a foster home. This home is managed by the National Institute for Children and Adolescents of Uruguay, known as INAU. The court system had placed the young girl under the care of her father’s ex-partner. Her father, a retired Uruguayan colonel, had brought her to Uruguay from Uganda. It is believed that the girl’s biological mother stayed behind in that African country.
Reports indicate the girl was at her appointment when her father appeared. When he tried to make her leave, she reportedly made it clear. She did not want to go with him. Instead, she asked to go with her father’s ex-partner. This heartbreaking refusal led to the violence, according to reports.
Personnel from the Scientific Police quickly arrived at the scene. They carefully surveyed the area. Maldonado Police Chief, VÃctor Trezza, provided the first public details about this devastating case.