Mother alleges mistreatment after daughter dies at militarized camp in Mexico

The death of 13-year-old Dafne Zapata Quintos at a private militarized camp in Ciudad Madero, Tamaulipas, has shocked the community, with her mother alleging mistreatment and negligence.

Dafne's mother, Alejandra Quintos, from Ciudad Mante, enrolled her daughter in the Academia Militarizada de Marina Doenitz for a summer course. She stated that on the second day, July 14, Dafne reportedly fainted while exercising. A staff member, identified as Estrellita, informed Alejandra that Dafne had fallen but was otherwise fine.

Later that evening, Estrellita called again, saying Dafne had a cough and was receiving medication. The staff member assured Alejandra that she was caring for Dafne like a mother. However, shortly after midnight, Alejandra received three missed calls from Estrellita. Upon returning the call, she learned that Dafne had fainted again while bathing and that it was too late to save her.

Alejandra Quintos expressed her grief and demanded justice, stating her daughter had bruises and was mistreated. "My daughter is 13 years old and she is dead, I want justice, that all those responsible pay, and that they save the children, don't leave them, don't enroll them there, they are murderers!" she exclaimed to the press.

Jorge Luis Ponce, the director of the Academy, has denied any negligence or mistreatment, citing his 36 years of experience. He confirmed that the young student had felt unwell and was given medication, but he did not elaborate further on the circumstances surrounding her death.