“You never think it will happen to you”: Avril’s story and a family’s pain demanding justice

The family of Avril Wilkins, a 19-year-old victim of femicide in Ciudad del Plata, struggles to articulate who she was before her life was tragically cut short. "I don't even know where to start," says her older sister, reflecting the profound grief and difficulty in processing the loss. Avril, the youngest of four, was remembered as a quiet, intelligent, and bookish young woman, more inclined towards reading, animals, and cinema than late-night outings.

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I don't even know where to start.

Her sister recalls Avril's preference for quieter activities, often declining invitations to dance in favor of watching old movies, going to the cinema, or spending time with her boyfriend and grandmother. Avril's deep affection for animals was evident in her devotion to her Labrador, Kali, and her two cats. Her intelligence was also a standout trait, with teachers once suggesting she be advanced a grade due to her academic prowess.

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You seem like an old lady.

Avril was pursuing a law degree and aspired to become a history teacher. She was also seeking part-time work to gain financial independence. Her mother would often pick her up from her night classes, but on the evening of June 3rd, Avril told her mother she would take the bus home. She never arrived.

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Don't worry, I'll take the bus that drops me a block from home.

Her boyfriend alerted the family when she didn't return. A frantic search led them to discover a young woman lying on the street, initially unaware it was Avril. The initial hours were filled with agonizing uncertainty, a desperate hope that it wasn't her. By midnight, the devastating confirmation came: Avril had been murdered.

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Deep down you know, but you want to have hope that it's not true.