Girl, 14, killed in drug gang shootout while preparing for her 15th birthday

Candela Urquiza, a 14-year-old girl in La Matanza, Argentina, was tragically killed after being caught in the crossfire of a drug-related shootout. The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon as Candela walked with her mother, Blanca Urquiza, near the border of González Catán and Virrey del Pino.

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My beautiful morocha, you left us with a shattered soul. There is no consolation for this great pain. Why you? You were only 14 years old. And months before your 15th birthday, these bastards took your life.

According to neighbors, two individuals arrived in a white Ford Ecosport and began shooting at a house suspected of being a drug-selling búnker. Security camera footage captured the moment of the attack: Candela and her mother were walking together when the gunfire erupted. They began to run, but a stray bullet struck Candela in the head, killing her instantly. Her mother continued running briefly before realizing Candela was no longer beside her. Upon returning to find her daughter, Blanca Urquiza was shot in the neck and is currently in serious condition at the Hospital Simplemente Evita.

Candela was reportedly preparing for her upcoming 15th birthday celebration. Her aunt, Daiana, expressed profound grief and anger on Facebook, lamenting the loss of her niece and the cruel circumstances of her death. "My beautiful morocha, you left us with a shattered soul. There is no consolation for this great pain. Why you? You were only 14 years old. And months before your 15th birthday, these bastards took your life," she wrote, adding, "You had a whole life ahead of you."

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You had a whole life ahead of you. Many things to live, my queen. Now who will tell me when I pass by your house 'Hi, aunt'. Aunt and La Sheki. Send much strength to your father, brothers, and the whole family. Fly high, my queen, may God have you in glory. My beautiful Cande.

Family members and friends announced plans to protest in Atalaya and Cabot to demand justice. Candela's grandfather, Walter, expressed frustration with the ongoing violence attributed to local drug gangs, stating that the police have not provided adequate responses. "They haven't approached us at all. Now they killed my granddaughter. Tomorrow it will be another boy, a woman, a worker. This has to end," he pleaded, highlighting the community's fear and desperation.

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They haven't approached us at all. Now they killed my granddaughter. Tomorrow it will be another boy, a woman, a worker. This has to end.