A psychologist has been strangled to death by four delinquents she was trying to help.
Karelis Yenissa Merlano Viana, better known as Karely Merlano, worked as a facilitator in halfway houses, typically handling cases involving delinquents and young criminals.
She was found dead at a state-run care home last Thursday (9 Apr).
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The facility was housing vulnerable and at-risk minors.
According to preliminary police investigations, four adolescents aged between 15 and 17 plotted to attack Karelis as part of a desperate bid to escape the centre at night.
The incident took place in the city of Barrancabermeja, Colombia, operating under the Colombian Family Welfare Institute (ICBF),
The youths tied her up with cords, which were later found in the victim’s handbag, and then allegedly strangled her.
The incident sparked nationwide outrage over the severe lack of security measures provided to social workers and healthcare staff handling juvenile cases in the country.
The victim’s husband, Alejandro Cabarcas, said she repeatedly voiced concerns regarding her safety at work.
He added: “She was left entirely alone at night with multiple aggressive youths and zero security staff.
“This was a tragedy waiting to happen, the state failed to protect the very person who was there to help these children.
“At that foundation specifically, she had already had problems with the boys there.
“Once they poisoned her with some medication they dissolved in water.”
He further revealed that colleagues had previously filed formal complaints and requested at least one security guard on overnight shifts, but their pleas were allegedly ignored by officials.
Karely was even considering leaving this April to escape the harsh environment, according to her husband.
ICBF director Astrid Eliana Cáceres publicly condemned the alleged murder and assured the public that they are actively collaborating with the Public Prosecutor’s Office to deliver justice.
She said: “We are deeply saddened and outraged by the loss of our colleague, Karely.
“There will be absolutely no impunity for this act.
“We are working closely with the judicial system to process these minors through the specialised juvenile justice framework.”
The four suspects were swiftly detained by police units shortly after the victim’s body was discovered, as reported by Need To Know.
Due to their age, they are currently being held in a secure juvenile detention unit while formal charges are prepared.
The tragedy has prompted immediate calls from trade unions and human rights groups for an urgent review of security protocols across all state-operated youth rehabilitation centres.
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