One of the Detainees in La Plata Had Committed a Similar Robbery Less Than a Month Ago.

The 17-year-old teenager arrested for the crime of Kim Gómez, the 7-year-old girl who was dragged for 15 blocks by the wheel of the car stolen from her mother in La Plata, had a record for a similar offense. According to police sources, the young man had participated in an attempted car theft on February 1 under the same method.

On that occasion, the minor, identified as T.G., along with three other teenagers aged 16, 15, and 14, intercepted a 20-year-old young woman on 61st Street, between 14 and 15. Armed, they forced her to get out of her vehicle, a white Ford Ka, and escaped in it. The report was filed at the 9th police station in La Plata.

Shortly after, officers from the La Plata Command spotted the vehicle at the intersection of 29th and 86th Streets. Noticing the police presence, the criminals attempted to flee by accelerating, which led to a brief chase. Finally, they were arrested at 152nd and 84th Streets, where it was confirmed that all the occupants were minors.

Due to his age, T.G., who had turned 17 in December, was released following the prosecutor's request and handed over to his parents by order of Juvenile Court Judge No. 3, Pablo Nicolás Raele. This record did not prevent the young man from being involved in another criminal act with a tragic outcome weeks later.

The recurrence of minors in serious crimes and the quick release of those involved generate concern in the community and reopen the debate on juvenile criminal legislation in the province of Buenos Aires.

Meanwhile, both detainees for Kim's crime will remain detained and will have to give statements again before the judge and prosecutors in charge of the case. On the other hand, the case's classification has not yet been defined, although it is expected to be  "robbery and homicide", with their respective aggravating factors. 

What is the penalty the criminals could face?

In Argentina, the criminal responsibility of minors is regulated by the Juvenile Criminal Regime (Law 22.278 and its amendments). According to this legal framework:

Minors under 16 years old:  They are not criminally responsible, meaning they can't be tried or convicted. They may be placed under the custody of their parents or in juvenile institutions if deemed necessary.

Minors aged 16 to 18:  They can be held criminally responsible only if they have committed serious crimes such as homicide or rape, but the judicial process is adjusted to their age.