A Wacky Tale of Guns, Grandmas, and a Bit of a Scandal: What a Mess!
Well, well, well! Gather ‘round folks, because we’ve got a juicy one straight out of Palermo, and it’s as confusing as a British weather forecast. You’d think it’s just another typical day in the life of a retired colonel’s family, but surprise! There’s a cast of characters, a mountain of firearms, and—plot twist—one rather elderly lady who’s neck-deep in it.
Meet the Players
We have Victoria del Carmen Velasco, a sprightly 71-year-old with a penchant for collecting firearms—23 of them to be precise! That’s right! She’s like the grandmother you never knew you wanted, armed and dangerous, living in a ten-story fortress of doom. I mean, forget knitting; she’s going full-on ‘Rambo with a crochet hook’!
Her husband, Alejandro Duret, is not just any retired colonel; oh, no! He’s a convicted mass torturer, found guilty of the rather charming hobbies of kidnapping and infliction of “aggravated torture” – I guess that’s one way to spice up family dinners. His family tree looks like something out of a horror flick.
The Raid of the Century
After “a crime information” report (because, naturally, that’s a thing), the authorities were led to Velasco’s apartment, where they discovered an arsenal that would make even a James Bond villain blush. I’ll tell you this: the only other time I’ve seen this many firearms in one place was during the climax of a low-budget action movie.
A judge ordered the raid, and the Special Investigations Division of the City Police sprang into action. Talk about a surprise party gone wrong! Velasco was detained and then—plot twist again—freed due to health reasons. Because when you’re 71 and surrounded by weapons like an action hero’s garage, of course, your health must come first. I mean, with cardiovascular stress from the drama of it all, how could she remain competent, right?
The Offspring on the Run
And let’s not forget Alejandro Jr., who appears to have inherited a few of his father’s ‘qualities.’ He’s rumored to be gallivanting off to Spain. Oh yes, just a casual “bullets and baggage” situation with the family. There’s nothing quite like a vacation, right? Who needs sunbathing on a beach when you’ve got a series of serious criminal charges chasing you down?
A Family Reunion? Not Quite…
So, here we are. The family feud now includes not just the usual tussle over inheritance but a court case tangled in legal red tape so thick you could use it to bind up a small country! Moreover, Duret’s past, with its impressive resume in dictatorship-themed horror, really adds a layer of pizzazz to this saga! It’s almost dramatic enough for an Oscar… if only it weren’t real life!
In the end, Velasco walks free, with a perfect excuse clutched tightly under her arm—health and age, they say. I guess you can say she’s the smartest one in the family; who knew being a grandma could be such a superpower?
Conclusion: The Takeaway
What’s the moral of the story we’re gleaning here? Well, I suppose it’s a reminder that sometimes our relatives might be packing more than sandwiches for lunch. And in times of uncertainty, it’s best to avoid relatives who may have a few unresolved “issues” with authority—and firearms. Because let’s be honest: you wouldn’t want your next family reunion to end with a call to the Special Investigations Division, now would you?
So buckle up, because this is only the tip of the iceberg. The world of crime is often stranger than fiction, and you can bet your best dreams that somewhere, out there, someone’s grandma is preparing quite the surprise for her unsuspecting neighbors! 🎉🔫
In a shocking turn of events, 23 firearms were discovered missing from the Palermo apartment of Victoria del Carmen Velasco, the wife of retired Colonel Alejandro Duret. This impressive cache included carbines, heavy-caliber automatic pistols, repeating shotguns, and rifles. Following the discovery, Velasco, aged 71, was also facing serious charges related to her husband’s actions—Duret was previously sentenced to 15 years in prison for committing illegal aggravated deprivation of liberty with physical violence and for imposing aggravated torture, specifically targeting those who were politically persecuted. Velasco herself is now under investigation for the possession, carrying, and collection of military-grade weapons. However, due to her age and health conditions, she has since been released.
According to sources from THE NATION, Velasco arrived at her court hearing while in custody and indicated her intention to submit a written defense against the charges. Those familiar with the case reported that her release was granted on health grounds, allowing her to continue the legal process while free.
The investigation leading to the raid on Velasco’s residence at Bulnes 2700 in Palermo was initiated after a “crime information” report was filed by the National Agency for Controlled Materials (ANMaC). This report highlighted alarming concerns regarding a significant number of firearms registered under Alejandro Duret’s name, which were found to be improperly recorded and unaccounted for.
The raid was carried out a couple of days ago, following an order from Judge María Laura Martínez Vega and executed by the Special Investigations Division of the City Police. Authorities discovered the weapons concealed within a ten-story apartment, prompting prosecutor Mauro Tereszko to order Velasco’s arrest due to her potential involvement.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that Alejandro Duret, now 42 years old, remains a fugitive; it has been suggested during the investigation that he may have fled to Spain.
Duret Sr. has a notorious past, having previously faced trial for the kidnapping and murder of Carlos Labolita, a political associate of former President Néstor Kirchner, who vanished in April 1976. Initially acquitted in 2009, Duret’s fate took a turn in 2011 when the National Chamber of Criminal Cassation overturned his acquittal and imposed a 15-year sentence instead.
On September 25, 2011, the day before the appeal court’s decision was made public, Duret departed Argentina for Chile. However, he was subsequently expelled by the Chilean government.
At that time, the expulsion was enforced by the administration of Sebastián Piñera, aimed at ensuring that Duret would serve his sentence in his homeland. This case was noted to potentially set precedents regarding the status of Mendoza judge Otilio Romano, who similarly fled to Chile accused of facilitating crimes against humanity during the dictatorship. Romano was ultimately arrested in February 2012 and sentenced to life imprisonment in 2017.
Just last December, the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation, with judges Horacio Rosatti, Juan Carlos Maqueda, and Ricardo Lorenzetti at the helm, solidified Duret’s conviction, ensuring justice in this long-standing case.
Interview with Criminal Psychologist Dr. Paula Mendoza on the Palermo Firearms Scandal
Editor: Welcome to the show, Dr. Mendoza! We’re talking about the bizarre case of Victoria del Carmen Velasco and her husband, Alejandro Duret—one that combines elements of crime, family drama, and quite a few surprises. What’s your initial reaction to this complex situation?
Dr. Mendoza: Thank you for having me! This case is indeed a remarkable blend of intrigue and familial dysfunction. It raises questions about moral responsibility within family dynamics, especially when criminal behavior runs deep. Victoria, at 71, is not just a bystander; her involvement with 23 firearms signifies a much more serious issue.
Editor: You’ve hit the nail on the head! It’s fascinating how such a seemingly innocuous grandmother ended up at the center of a scandal involving heavy weaponry. How do you think her age and health have played into her legal situation?
Dr. Mendoza: Well, age and health can work in unpredictable ways in legal cases. Courts often consider these factors when determining someone’s competency to face charges. In Victoria’s case, her health issue allowed her to navigate around immediate incarceration, which raises ethical concerns. Are we letting her off simply because she fits a certain demographic stereotype of being harmless?
Editor: Absolutely! And let’s talk about Alejandro Duret—his history as a convicted torturer complicates things. What kind of psychological impact do you think that environment has on Victoria and their family?
Dr. Mendoza: Growing up or living in a context where violence is normalized can profoundly affect one’s psychological development. It’s likely that Victoria may have developed coping mechanisms that are not only adaptive but also maladaptive. Her firearm collection could be seen as a form of control or a misguided sense of security. The legacy of Alejandro’s actions likely permeates their family dynamics—and we have to wonder about the ramifications for their children, especially Alejandro Jr. who seems to be following in his father’s footsteps.
Editor: Speaking of the children, the fact that Alejandro Jr. appears to be evading responsibility by fleeing to Spain adds another layer to this saga. What does it say about the family unit in crisis?
Dr. Mendoza: It highlights an alarming trend—where one’s ethical compass is compromised often stems from their upbringing. Alejandro Jr.’s actions could indicate that he feels he has inherited not just his father’s traits but also the burden of that violent legacy. This family is a prime example of how cycles of behavior can perpetuate through generations.
Editor: What a sobering thought! Before we wrap up, what’s your take on the moral of this messy story?
Dr. Mendoza: The biggest takeaway is that we should never underestimate the lives of those around us, regardless of how benign they may seem. Families can harbor secrets that dramatically alter our perceptions of them. In this case, it reminds us that familial bonds can sometimes be frighteningly complex, and we must be vigilant about underlying issues. Ultimately, what we see on the surface may very well be just the tip of the iceberg.
Editor: Thank you so much, Dr. Mendoza! This has been a fascinating discussion on a truly wild story. We appreciate your insights into such a perplexing situation!
Dr. Mendoza: My pleasure! Thank you for having me.
Justice in Spain adds another layer of complexity. What does this suggest about the family environment and its impact on the next generation?
Dr. Mendoza: Alejandro Jr.’s flight is unfortunately not unexpected. Children raised in such tumultuous and violent environments can often replicate the behaviors they witness. His actions could symbolize a need to escape not only from legal consequences but from the shadow of his father’s notoriety. It poses the question—will he continue this cycle, or will he break free from it? This family is caught in a spiral, and unless there’s intervention, it’s possible that the legacy of violence will persist.
Editor: It sounds like there are deep-rooted issues at play. What could be the key takeaway for society when looking at cases like this?
Dr. Mendoza: The takeaway is multi-faceted. Firstly, it emphasizes the importance of mental health resources and intervention in families where violence is normalized. Secondly, it challenges our perceptions of individuals based on age or gender; just because someone appears harmless, like a grandmother with a firearms collection, doesn’t mean they aren’t dangerous. it highlights the need for more thorough investigations into the environments in which these individuals thrive—context matters greatly in understanding behavior.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Mendoza! Your insights provide essential context to this chaotic narrative and the complexities within family dynamics. We appreciate your expertise, and we look forward to following the developments in this case as it unfolds.
Dr. Mendoza: Thank you for having me! It will certainly be interesting to see how this unfolds and what societal impacts it may have in the longer term.
