Search intensifies for missing 18-year-old in Argentina

An intensive search is underway for 18-year-old Jessica Anahí Benítez Barbudes, who vanished after leaving her home for school in Buenos Aires' Belgrano neighborhood on Tuesday. The case has intensified with new leads emerging, including a neighbor's claim of spotting her in Quilmes, a town located nearly 30 kilometers from her residence.

Her mother, alerted by the neighbor's report, immediately went to the local police station to file a formal complaint. Simultaneously, investigators are analyzing the geolocation data from Jessica's cell phone, attempting to retrace her movements after she was last seen. Friends, family, and neighbors gathered outside her school, Julio Argentino Roca, on Friday to protest and demand her safe return.

Communication records reveal Jessica sent her mother a message stating she was returning home after her catechism class was suspended. "I'll be right back," she replied, marking their final exchange. A family friend corroborated seeing Jessica near the school premises. Investigators are also examining a report from a friend who claims Jessica sent him messages early Wednesday, which were read before he was subsequently blocked.

This disappearance follows a period of heightened public anxiety in Argentina due to the recent murders of two other teenagers. In late May, 16-year-old Agostina Vega was found dead in Córdoba province days after her disappearance. Also in May, the body of 17-year-old Dulce María Candia was discovered at a construction site in Eldorado, Misiones, just one day after her mother reported her missing. A suspect has been charged with femicide in Candia's case. Both femicides drew widespread condemnation during a massive protest on June 3, marking the anniversary of the 'Ni Una Menos' movement.

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