Authorities investigate student death and Mendoza faces major lawsuit

In the Dominican Republic, authorities have summoned officials from the Federico Henríquez y Carvajal high school following the death of 16-year-old student Junior Rafael Reynoso. The incident occurred at the school in Los Alcarrizos. While school reports suggest the student suffered a fall, his family claims they have not received a clear explanation and question why the school contacted his mother instead of emergency services (9-1-1) after he sustained a head injury. Reynoso died while awaiting treatment at Vinicio Calventi Hospital. The National Institute of Forensic Sciences (Inacif) is conducting an autopsy to determine the official cause of death.

In Argentina, the Province of Mendoza faces a $150 million lawsuit filed by the parents of a minor who witnessed a violent robbery in Guaymallén. The lawsuit alleges psychological damages resulting from a judicial decision by Judge Sebastián Sarmiento, who granted parole to Roberto Pereyra Cruz. Pereyra Cruz, previously sentenced to over 11 years for homicide during a robbery, was released despite legal prohibitions. During the September 1, 2024, incident, an exchange of gunfire occurred between the assailants and retired police officer Héctor Pelayes, resulting in the deaths of both Pelayes and Pereyra Cruz. The minor was present during the armed confrontation.