Woman killed by ex-husband in Santa Fe after reporting him for violence; attacker had restraining order

Lucrecia Zarmati, a 56-year-old school caretaker in Piamonte, Santa Fe, was killed by her ex-husband, Ricardo Ellena, 64, after she had separated from him two months prior and reported him for gender-based violence. Ellena, who had a restraining order against him, ran over Zarmati before stabbing her. The attack occurred as she was leaving her job at the Manuel Belgrano School.

School officials expressed deep sorrow, stating, "Lucrecia was the victim of a femicide" and demanding justice. Zarmati's family reported that the couple had been separated for over two months. The community of Piamonte, a town of 3,500 residents, held a protest to express grief and call for a swift resolution to the case.

The perpetrator, Ellena, attempted suicide after the attack and was hospitalized with self-inflicted stab wounds. The incident is part of a disturbing trend in Santa Fe, which has recorded 30 femicides since January 1. National data indicates a rise in femicides and attempted femicides compared to the previous year. Between January 1 and August 8, 2026, Argentina recorded 142 femicide victims, with 155 children left motherless. The report also noted that 55% of aggressors were partners or ex-partners, and 24 committed suicide after the act.

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Lucrecia was the victim of a femicide