Three distinct events marked the routine of Pedro Juan Caballero in recent days, involving material losses, a historic farewell, and a violent crime that mobilizes authorities.
On Monday, May 18, mechanic João Morel, a Brazilian national, was shot dead in the María Victoria neighborhood. According to the National Police report, Morel was driving a white Fiat Toro pickup truck with Brazilian plates when he was intercepted by a silver Toyota Allion or Premio. The occupants of the vehicle fired multiple shots with large-caliber weapons, including a 5.56 mm rifle and a 9 mm pistol. The victim was hit by ten projectiles, according to forensic doctor Marco Prieto. Morel's wife took him to the Regional Hospital of Pedro Juan Caballero, where he died shortly after. Police are investigating whether the crime was a settling of scores or if the victim was targeted by mistake. The case is under the responsibility of prosecutor Reinalda Palacios.
On the same day, the community bid farewell to Damiana Alvarenga Vda. de Escobar, considered the city's oldest woman, who died at age 110. She was about to turn 111 on June 2. Known for her lucidity, Damiana held memories of the Chaco War, in which she reportedly served as a nurse. The previous year, the Municipal Council of Pedro Juan Caballero, represented by councilwoman Zulma Icasatti Acevedo, and the Government of Amambay, through Governor Juan Silvino Acosta, paid tribute to her. The wake was held in the San Antonio neighborhood, and burial took place the following day.
Days earlier, on May 15, a large fire completely destroyed the home of Mariana Bernal, 85, in the María Victoria neighborhood, at the corner of 29 de Noviembre and Ramón Gill streets. The elderly woman lost all her belongings, but there were no fatalities. The Volunteer Fire Department and Police, called through the 911 system, controlled the flames with the support of a fire truck, preventing the fire from spreading to neighboring properties.