The preliminary autopsy of 14-year-old Maitena Garófalo, found dead in General Las Heras, determined mechanical asphyxiation by hanging with no third-party involvement. The girl went missing on Wednesday after leaving her home in Merlo without entering school. Investigators are reinforcing the suicide hypothesis.
Maitena Garófalo, 14, from Merlo in Buenos Aires province, left home on Wednesday with her older sister but did not enter Escuela Secundaria N° 16 Manuel Belgrano. Her mother discovered this at midday when picking her up. Police located her in General Las Heras, near the end of the Sarmiento train line, hanged from a tree.
The preliminary autopsy report, conducted Friday at 9 a.m., confirmed mechanical asphyxiation by hanging and ruled out third-party involvement. Death occurred 24 to 36 hours prior, between Wednesday night and Thursday morning. Cameras show her walking alone, with no signs of company.
Two prosecutor's offices are investigating: UFI N°8 of Morón, led by Nicolás Filippini, for missing person inquiry; and UFI N°3 of Mercedes, headed by Juan Antonio Reppeto, for cause of death. Nine farewell letters, a video showing depression, and a backup phone found at home are under analysis; she had foreign online gaming chat contacts.
Scout group Zona 11 stated: «With deep sorrow, we accompany Maitena's family and friends in her departure to the Eternal Camp. Her light and laughter will remain in the hearts of those who shared the path with her». Ferrocarril Oeste de Merlo club, where she skated, said: «We accompany her family in this great pain». Classmates released balloons at school with «Volá alto».
