The small town of Villagorgona, in Valle del Cauca, is reeling after the tragic discovery of 12-year-old Sofía Delgado’s body, ending a search that lasted 18 painful days. Brayan Campo, a 32-year-old local, confessed to kidnapping and murdering the young girl, sparking nationwide outrage and grief.

The case has shocked Colombia, not only because of the heinous nature of the crime but also due to revelations that Campo had been accused of sexually assaulting a minor in 2018. At the time, he was released due to legal technicalities. Further complicating the narrative is the fact that, just before Sofía’s abduction, Campo attempted to kidnap another girl from his pet store.

Sofía Delgado disappeared on September 29 after leaving home to buy pet food at Campo’s shop, only a few blocks away. Security cameras captured her walk to the store, but it was the last time she was seen alive. According to Campo’s confession, he locked Sofía inside his store, struck her on the head, and then took her body to a nearby sugarcane field, where he buried her. Authorities found the body on Thursday, and DNA tests have confirmed the identity.

The prosecutor’s office has charged Campo with aggravated femicide, simple kidnapping, and evidence tampering, charges that carry a potential sentence of more than 50 years in prison if he is convicted. In a private hearing, Campo admitted to the crimes.

A Community in Pain and Shock

Sofía’s family, the community, and the broader public are devastated. Cristian Delgado, her father, shared his disbelief and sorrow, noting that while Campo owned a local business, they never had direct interaction with him. Sofía’s mother, Lady Zúñiga, expressed unimaginable grief, calling for justice and ensuring that Campo faces the full weight of the law.

Amid this grief, emotions have boiled over. An enraged crowd destroyed Campo’s pet store and his home after news of his confession broke. In response to the tragedy, the town’s mayor declared three days of mourning, honoring Sofía’s life and memory.

Widespread National Outrage

The murder of Sofía has touched a nerve across Colombia, fueling ongoing debates about justice for children and the adequacy of current legal measures to protect them. President Gustavo Petro condemned the crime on social media, emphasizing that Colombia’s children deserve safety, protection, and a future free of violence. His message reflects the deep frustration many feel, as the country grapples with a string of recent crimes against minors.

According to Forensic Medicine statistics, over 370 minors have been murdered in Colombia between January and August of this year alone. Sofía’s case is one of many, but its brutal nature and Campo’s previous criminal background have drawn significant attention.

Renewed Debate on Punishments for Crimes Against Children

This case has rekindled the debate over whether Colombia should introduce harsher punishments for those who harm children, including the possibility of life sentences. In 2021, the Constitutional Court struck down a law that allowed for life imprisonment for child abusers and murderers, stating it was unconstitutional. However, the debate has resurfaced, with some lawmakers and local leaders calling for even stricter measures.

Dilian Francisca Toro, the governor of Valle del Cauca, suggested that the death penalty should be considered for those who commit such monstrous acts against children, even though the Colombian Constitution currently prohibits it. Some members of Congress have echoed this sentiment, pushing for constitutional changes to allow for harsher penalties.

This tragic case has not only left a deep scar on the local community but also reignited national discussions on how to better protect Colombia’s children from violence, calling into question the role of the justice system and whether it is doing enough to prevent further tragedies like Sofía’s.