BOGOTÁ (AP).— Sofía Delgado Zúñiga, 12, left her home in southwestern Colombia on September 29 to buy shampoo for her dog and never returned.
His body was found the day before yesterday and there is already a confessed murderer.
Yesterday, Brayan Campo accepted that on September 29 he murdered Sofía, whose body was found by the authorities in a sugar cane plantation in La Candelaria, in the southwest of Colombia, where she was buried the same day she was murdered, he reported. the Prosecutor’s Office.
In the process of charging charges, Campo accepted the crimes of aggravated femicide, aggravated simple kidnapping, aggravated attempted simple kidnapping and concealment, alteration and destruction of evidentiary material, the Prosecutor’s Office said.
“This, in relation to the retention, subsequent death and concealment of the body of a 12-year-old girl, in Candelaria (Valle del Cauca), and the attempted kidnapping of another minor,” detailed the Prosecutor’s Office.
The crime shocked a country that is dealing with dozens of similar cases that, unlike this one, have little national coverage.
Yesterday, the Attorney General’s Office recognized that there is an alarming reality of systematic violence against children.
Campo and a woman—both lived in Candelaria, the town where Sofía disappeared—were captured as suspects.
The woman was released by a judge and Campo was charged yesterday and faces a sentence of up to 50 years in prison.
“In the name of my daughter Sofía, I will continue the legacy so that what we are experiencing as a family does not affect any more innocent children like my daughter,” the girl’s mother, Lady Zúñiga, told the press through tears, while ensuring that will demand justice.
Sofía left her home, in the Villagorgona hamlet, which is part of the municipality of Candelaria, to buy shampoo for her pet, but she disappeared.
From that day on, an exhaustive search began in which authorities, family, friends and acquaintances, and even spontaneous people joined forces.
The body was found the day before yesterday and the remains were transferred to the National Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences to establish its full identity and carry out other studies that will allow us to learn more details about this atrocious crime.
Campo, who already had another accusation of rape, hit Sofía with a heavy object after locking her in the business premises.
Violence against children is in the focus of the country both because of Sofía’s death and because of the First World Ministerial Conference to End Violence against Children promoted by the government and which will take place between November 7 and 8 with the participation of foreign ministers, ministers and international organizations.
#Shock #murder #girl
**Interview with Ana María Gómez, Child Rights Advocate and Community Leader in Colombia**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Ana María. The tragic case of Sofía Delgado Zúñiga has captivated the nation and raised urgent concerns about child safety. What was your immediate reaction to the news of her death, particularly in the context of rising violence against children in Colombia?
**Ana María Gómez:** Thank you for having me. It was heartbreaking to hear about Sofía. She was just a child, and the circumstances of her death are deeply disturbing. This case highlights a troubling trend in our country where many children face violence and threats in their communities. We cannot ignore the fact that this is part of a larger issue that affects countless families.
**Editor:** The recent arrest of Brayan Campo, who has confessed to the murder, adds another layer to this tragedy. How do you view the implications of his confession for the community and for efforts to achieve justice?
**Ana María Gómez:** While it’s important that there is a suspect in custody, it does not solve the underlying problems that allowed this to happen. Communities must engage in dialogues about safety and vigilance for our children. We also need to ensure that justice is served not just through punishment, but also by addressing the root causes of such violence, including poverty, lack of education, and inadequate mental health support.
**Editor:** The Prosecutor’s Office has reported that Campo faces severe charges including aggravated femicide and kidnapping. What additional measures can be taken to protect children in Colombia?
**Ana María Gómez:** Legislative reforms are crucial. We need stricter laws to protect children and ensure harsher penalties for offenders. More importantly, we must invest in community education programs that teach families and children about safety, empowerment, and where to seek help. Additionally, better support systems for at-risk children and their families can significantly reduce these tragedies.
**Editor:** As a society, how can we come together to honor Sofía’s memory and prevent future tragedies?
**Ana María Gómez:** It starts with awareness and action. We must create safe spaces where children can thrive without fear. Community members should be vigilant and proactive about suspicious activities and advocate for children’s rights. We need to engage law enforcement, educators, and local leaders in this mission. Sofía’s story should motivate us to strengthen our commitment to protecting every child.
**Editor:** Thank you, Ana María, for sharing your insights. It’s clear that the community has a pivotal role in safeguarding the future of our children.
**Ana María Gómez:** Thank you for shedding light on this vital issue. We must all work together to create lasting change.
Served, not just for Sofía but for all victims of child violence. The legal response must be swift and firm to send a message that such acts will not be tolerated. The confession should galvanize the community to advocate for stronger measures to protect our children from similar fates.
**Editor:** You mentioned the larger issue of violence against children. What do you think needs to change in Colombia to effectively tackle this problem and prevent further tragedies like Sofía’s?
**Ana María Gómez:** It’s essential to implement comprehensive strategies that involve education, community outreach, and proper enforcement of laws aimed at protecting children. We must strengthen child protection services, increase awareness about child rights, and foster partnerships between governmental and non-governmental organizations. Furthermore, mental health support for both victims and perpetrators is crucial. Ultimately, we need a cultural shift where the safety and well-being of children is prioritized above all else.
**Editor:** With the First World Ministerial Conference to End Violence against Children approaching, do you think this will have a significant impact on how violence against children is addressed in Colombia?
**Ana María Gómez:** I genuinely hope so. This conference presents an opportunity for our government to participate in meaningful dialogue with international partners. It’s a chance to adopt best practices and collaborate on initiatives that can be tailored to our unique challenges. However, it’s crucial that this isn’t just a platform for discussion but leads to actionable and enforceable policies that make a difference on the ground. We must keep the momentum going even after the conference ends.
**Editor:** Thank you, Ana María, for your insights on this pressing issue. Your passion for child rights is evident, and we hope to see positive changes that will protect Colombia’s children in the future.
**Ana María Gómez:** Thank you for having me. We owe it to Sofía and all children to keep fighting for their rights and safety.
