Venezuelan and Peruvian Teens Killed in US, Families Seek Repatriation

A 14‑year‑old Venezuelan girl, Keily Michelle Santiago Lugo, was shot and died on the night of 1 August in an Aurora, Colorado apartment complex. Police arrested a minor who faces charges including first‑degree robbery, negligent homicide and illegal firearm possession. Keily’s mother has called for justice and is trying to raise funds to repatriate her daughter’s body to Venezuela.

In a separate incident, 22‑year‑old Peruvian migrant Mayli V. H. was shot in the head on 21 July inside her home in Jerome, Idaho. After four days in intensive care she died on 25 July. Her boyfriend, fellow Peruvian Yerik Grover Laurente Huarcaya, initially said the shot was accidental but now faces a second‑degree murder charge. Mayli’s family is also fundraising to bring her remains back to Peru for burial.