In a quiet neighborhood of a city in Argentina, a disturbing discovery inside a family home has left investigators and locals searching for answers — beginning with a letter addressed to a husband.

A tragic murder-suicide in Florencio Varela has left a community in shock following the discovery of a letter written by Micaela Andrea Lator, 47, to her husband, Fernando Cuello. The letter served as a chilling prelude to the events that followed.

“Now you’ll be able to live your life, you won’t have to travel anymore. All I asked for was a hug for Esteban and me, a kiss in the morning before you went to work. We didn’t ask for much… We won’t beg you for more. You’ll remember us for the rest of your life,” wrote Lator before killing her six-year-old son and then herself, as reported by eltrece TV on June 2, 2025.

Prosecutor Darío Provisionato stated that Lator and Cuello often argued due to Cuello’s limited time at home. He worked as a lathe operator in Munro, leaving for work at 7:00 a.m. and returning at 7:00 p.m. each day.

Lator had a documented history of deep depression and was under psychiatric treatment. Those close to her confirmed she had previously attempted suicide. Additionally, her mother had also died by suicide under similar conditions.

According to Marcelo Chumbita, Cuello’s defense attorney, a recent heated argument between the couple had left Lator feeling overwhelmed. “I was tired of caring for the child,” Lator reportedly said, referring to the constant demands of caring for their autistic son, Esteban Cuello.

At first, authorities questioned Cuello’s potential involvement. Investigators found it difficult to understand how Lator could have fatally shot herself.

Forensic examinations later confirmed that the first shot, which struck her forehead, was not immediately fatal. She was able to fire a second shot at her chest, which caused her death.

Her son was shot in the head while either asleep or watching television. He survived the initial wound but lay in agony for five hours before dying.

Cuello was eventually released from suspicion after investigators confirmed his alibi. His SUBE transportation card and a statement from his employer verified that he had been at work throughout the day.

“He can’t understand it, he can’t believe it,” revealed Chumbita, recalling Cuello’s reaction to the horrific scene he encountered upon returning to their home on Pehuajó Street.

This case came just days after another similar domestic tragedy in Argentina. On May 21, 2025, a family of four was found dead in an apartment in the Villa Crespo neighborhood of Buenos Aires City. The victims included Ian and Ivo Seltzer, aged 12 and 15; their father, Bernardo Seltzer, 53; and their mother, Laura Leguizamón, 51.

The family’s housekeeper discovered the bodies. According to the Buenos Aires Herald, police are treating the incident as a domestic crime. There was no evidence of forced entry.

Investigators concluded that Leguizamón was the last to die, citing her body’s lower rigidity and the absence of defensive wounds. She was found in the bathroom.

Seltzer was found in bed with multiple stab wounds. He likely died in his sleep, possibly sedated, as no defensive injuries were present. Their sons were attacked in their rooms. One died there; the other was found in a hallway, suggesting he tried to flee. Both boys had wounds on their backs and signs of struggle.

A letter was found in the kitchen, handwritten and disorganized. Investigators say it reflects a disturbed mental state. Phrases included, “We were heading to the streets,” “It was a lot,” “Everything was bad, perverse,” “I was ruining their lives,” and “I love you all.” Police believe Leguizamón wrote the letter and suffered a psychotic episode.

She was under psychiatric care at the time, and her medical provider has been identified and called to testify. Seltzer had worked as an agro-business consultant for 20 years. Both he and Leguizamón were active on social media, frequently posting about vacations and family activities.

A neighbor named Luciano revealed that the family was “very kind with the kids and always willing to help.” The brothers were students at the ORT school in Almagro.

The school issued a statement expressing “profound shock” at the news. A moment of silence was held in their memory, and the school’s flags will remain at half-mast for the week.

Both cases have drawn national attention in Argentina, highlighting the severe impact of untreated or escalating mental health issues within families.

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding each tragedy, while communities mourn the lives lost and question how such devastating events could unfold behind closed doors.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text “help” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741, or go to suicidepreventionlifeline.org.