Narela Barreto, a 27-year-old from Buenos Aires, was found dead in the Los Angeles metropolitan area on January 29, 2026, days after disappearing on her way to work. Her family, devastated, suspects an attack and is raising funds to repatriate her body to Argentina. The investigation continues without clear details on the cause of her death.
Narela Micaela Márquez Barreto, 27, born in Banfield, Lomas de Zamora, moved to Los Angeles two years ago seeking job opportunities. She worked as a waitress in a bar and lived alone in a downtown apartment. Previously in Argentina, she worked as a translator and helped in a family kiosk. Her initial trip to the US was for a friend's wedding, but she decided to stay.
On January 23, 2026, Narela was last seen getting into a ride-sharing vehicle to go to work. That day, she messaged her mother confirming her route, but then stopped responding. Her phone stayed on until noon and then went off. A neighbor saw her enter the car. Friends reported her missing to police on January 25. The family contacted the Argentine Embassy in the US and hired private detectives. The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed she had not been detained.
On January 29, her body was found in the Los Angeles metropolitan area after intense searches. No immediate details were given on the exact location or circumstances. Her apartment was untouched, with no signs of violence or robbery. Authorities reviewed security cameras from the building and surroundings. Narela had recently changed jobs, complicating tracking of her workday.
The family suggested hypotheses: her brother believes she was attacked on her way to work. Her pastor, Emanuel Picone, described her unstable emotional state months earlier and an audio plea for help. Reactions included messages of grief: brother Santiago Barreto wrote: “Por siempre y para siempre en mi corazón, te voy a extrañar para toda mi vida. Te amo, descansa en paz, hermanita” [Forever and always in my heart, I'll miss you my whole life. I love you, rest in peace, little sister]. Cousin Ayelén said: “Me vas a doler toda la vida, dame fuerzas porque ya no puedo más. Vas a ser mi ángel más hermoso, volá alto, prima” [You'll hurt me my whole life, give me strength because I can't take it anymore. You'll be my most beautiful angel, fly high, cousin]. Friend Milagros Cuello urged: "Descansa en paz, hermosa Nare. Justicia por Narela, que no quede en la nada" [Rest in peace, beautiful Nare. Justice for Narela, don't let it fade away].
The investigation does not rule out crime, but no cause has been confirmed. The family is raising funds to repatriate the body.
