Teen Boy Shoots Mother in the Head Shocking Grandmother’s Heartbreaking Testimony

15-Year-Old Boy Charged with Murder After Allegedly Shooting His Mother, a Police Officer, in Santa Fe, Argentina

A 15-year-old boy has been charged with murder after allegedly shooting his mother, a police officer, in the back of the head in the city of Santa Fe, Argentina. The incident occurred on Monday, April 27, 2026, according to multiple local news reports. The victim, identified as 38-year-old police officer María Laura Gerez, was found dead in her home in the Villa Gobernador Gálvez neighborhood, a suburb of Rosario.

The boy, whose name has not been released due to his age, was taken into custody shortly after the shooting. Authorities have not disclosed a motive, but local media reports suggest the killing may have been premeditated. The case has shocked the community, particularly given the victim’s status as a law enforcement officer and the accused’s age.

Family Speaks Out: “This Criminal Murderer Is Not My Grandson”

The boy’s grandmother, María del Carmen Gerez, delivered a heartbreaking statement to Clarín, one of Argentina’s largest newspapers. In an interview published on Tuesday, she condemned the act and distanced herself from her grandson.

“This criminal murderer is not my grandson. My grandson died the day he committed this atrocity. I don’t recognize him as part of my family anymore.”

María del Carmen Gerez, grandmother of the accused

The grandmother’s statement reflects the profound grief and disbelief within the family. She described María Laura Gerez as a dedicated mother and police officer who had worked for the Santa Fe Provincial Police for over a decade. According to La Nación, the victim had recently been assigned to the Río de la Plata coast guard unit, part of the Prefectura Naval Argentina, though she was off-duty at the time of her death.

The boy’s father, who was not present at the time of the shooting, also spoke to local media. He expressed shock and disbelief, stating that his son had never exhibited violent behavior before. “We don’t understand what happened. He was a normal kid, with normal problems, but nothing like this,” he told Rosario3.

Investigation and Legal Proceedings

Prosecutors in Santa Fe have charged the 15-year-old with aggravated homicide, a crime that carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment under Argentine law. However, because the accused is a minor, he will be tried under juvenile justice statutes, which prioritize rehabilitation over punishment. If convicted, he could face a maximum sentence of 15 years in a juvenile detention facility.

Investigators have not released details about the weapon used in the shooting, but local reports suggest it may have been a firearm belonging to the victim. Argentine law restricts civilian access to firearms, but police officers are permitted to keep service weapons at home under certain conditions.

The case has reignited debates in Argentina about juvenile crime and the adequacy of the country’s youth justice system. In recent years, high-profile cases involving minors committing violent crimes have led to calls for harsher penalties, though human rights groups argue that rehabilitation and social support are more effective solutions.

Community and Police Response

The Santa Fe Provincial Police and the Prefectura Naval Argentina have both issued statements expressing condolences to the victim’s family. María Laura Gerez’s colleagues described her as a respected officer who was known for her professionalism and dedication to her work. A memorial service was held on Tuesday at the police headquarters in Rosario, where officers gathered to pay their respects.

The killing has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit community of Villa Gobernador Gálvez, where the victim and her son lived. Neighbors told Rosario3 that the family appeared to be close-knit and that the boy had no prior history of trouble. “They were a normal family. This is completely unexpected,” said one resident, who asked not to be named.

Broader Context: Juvenile Crime in Argentina

The case has drawn comparisons to other high-profile crimes involving minors in Argentina, including the 1994 murder of 11-year-old Robert “Yummy” Sandifer in Chicago, which shocked the world. While such cases remain rare, they often spark national conversations about youth violence, family dynamics, and the role of the justice system in addressing juvenile crime.

In Argentina, minors under the age of 16 cannot be held criminally responsible for their actions, while those between 16 and 18 can be prosecuted but are subject to reduced sentences. The system is designed to focus on rehabilitation, but critics argue that it fails to adequately address the root causes of youth violence, such as poverty, lack of education, and family instability.

Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International Argentina, have called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances leading to the shooting. “We must understand what drove this young person to commit such a horrific act,” said a spokesperson for the organization. “Punishment alone will not solve the underlying issues.”

What Happens Next

The 15-year-old remains in custody at a juvenile detention center in Santa Fe. His first court appearance is expected in the coming days, where a judge will determine whether he will remain in detention or be placed in a supervised rehabilitation program. The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, with authorities expected to release more details in the coming weeks.

In the meantime, María Laura Gerez’s family and colleagues continue to mourn her loss. A funeral service is scheduled for Wednesday, April 29, in Rosario, where she will be laid to rest. The Santa Fe Provincial Police have announced that they will provide support to her family and colleagues during this difficult time.

For those affected by violence or in need of support, Argentina’s Ministry of Justice and Human Rights operates a national helpline for victims of crime. Additional resources are available through local community organizations and mental health services.