Mercedes Erarpán femicide case shocks Junín, Argentina

Mercedes Erarpán, a 32‑year‑old pregnant woman, was found dead in her Junín home. An autopsy confirmed a pregnancy of 22‑24 weeks and determined she died from multiple knife wounds, fractures and a severe head injury, ruling out an initial gunshot theory. The primary suspect, Sebastián Bonafé, entered the house early on a Wednesday morning, remained until just before 8 a.m., and then fled with the victim’s seven‑year‑old goddaughter. After a multi‑agency chase, police located Bonafé in a field near Pergamino, where he threatened the child with a knife before surrendering. He has been detained pending trial.

The femicide sparked public outcry: residents, political figures and women's rights groups marched through Junín demanding justice and highlighting systemic failures in preventing gender‑based violence. Authorities noted the victim had previously reported Bonafé for alleged grooming and that he had three prior gender‑based violence complaints, raising questions about the adequacy of state protection.

Calls for stronger preventive measures, including comprehensive sexual education and faster judicial response to gender‑based complaints, continue as the case proceeds through the courts.