The recent murder of Army Major Fabián Humberto Bueno Carranza and his young daughter in their apartment in northern Bogotá has left the country in shock. According to the preliminary report from the National Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences, published by Semana magazine, the crime scene showed extreme violence, with the major suffering more than 100 stab wounds and his daughter 72.
At an arraignment hearing, the 14-year-old son of Major Bueno Carranza confessed to the murder of his 42-year-old father and his seven-year-old sister. This confession cleared up the initial confusion caused by conflicting testimonies between the mother and the young man, who blamed each other.
The forensic report details that the elder Bueno Carranza was attacked with multiple bladed weapons, resulting in a total of 117 wounds. His younger daughter suffered similar brutality, with 72 wounds on her small body. These findings were confirmed by forensic experts.
Bueno Carranza, an active-duty officer in the National Army, led a seemingly peaceful life with no apparent family problems. He was nearing retirement, and there were no signs of conflict in his personal or professional life. However, the horror that unfolded in his home at midnight last Sunday forever changed this perception.
The National Army, after learning of the events, issued a statement expressing its deep sorrow for the tragedy. “The National Army Command deeply regrets the events in which Major Fabián Humberto Bueno Carranza and his minor daughter lost their lives. Likewise, we express our unwavering support for the judicial authorities conducting the investigation into the events, which will allow us to establish the circumstances of time, place, and manner surrounding this regrettable situation,” the institution declared.
Semana magazine obtained additional details about the ongoing investigation. Investigators found several bladed weapons at the crime scene and traces of blood scattered throughout the apartment, suggesting a prolonged and extremely violent act. The victims’ wife and mother, who was present in the home during the incident, suffered a nervous breakdown and has remained hospitalized since then.
Authorities have reviewed security footage from the residential complex where the events occurred and interviewed security personnel, who confirmed that no one other than family members entered the premises on the night of July 28.
Although all evidence points to the older man’s younger son as the perpetrator, the investigation continues to rule out the possible involvement of third parties. The judge ordered the teenager to be held in a temporary detention center while the trial proceeds. The mother, who was also attacked by the young man, is receiving medical and psychological care at a health center.
Neighbors of the family reported hearing shouting and loud noises before the incident, although they had never noticed any prior family conflicts. According to testimonies and collected evidence, the eldest son was identified as the alleged perpetrator of the crime. After being discovered, the young man also attacked his mother, but was stopped by neighbors.
The news outlet CityTv reported that neighbors heard the girl screaming as she tried to hide in her room, but the young man managed to get inside and commit the crime. The neighbor added that the mother was attacked when she arrived home, and that’s when the neighbors intervened.
The tragedy has had a profound impact on the community and the country, highlighting the need to address mental health issues and family conflicts more effectively to prevent future tragedies. Colombian society is in a state of mourning and reflection in the face of this horrific crime.