Authorities have identified a fourth suspect involved in the fatal carjacking that resulted in the death of a 12-year-old child in San Bernardo, according to Public Security Minister Martín Arrau. This update follows the arrest of three individuals, aged 17, 18, and 21, who are accused of participating in a series of crimes known as a “tour delictual” during the early hours of Tuesday. The incident occurred when the group intercepted a vehicle, forcing the family to exit before the child was dragged for several kilometers while caught in a seatbelt.
Did You Know? The investigation into this case involved a coordinated effort by specialized police units, including the OS9, SEBV, and LABOCAR departments, which executed search warrants at eight different residences in the Metropolitan Region within hours of the crime.
How did the investigation progress?
The investigation moved rapidly, utilizing forensic analysis, security camera footage, and simultaneous raids across the Metropolitan Region, as stated by Minister Arrau. By Tuesday, authorities had successfully detained three suspects and identified a fourth. The Ministry of Public Security confirmed that police seized physical evidence linked to the crime during the searches of the eight identified properties.
What is the current status of the search?
Carabineros general director Marcelo Araya confirmed that a wide-scale operation is underway to locate the remaining members of the criminal band. General Araya stated that investigators have gathered evidence linking the suspects to other crimes committed on the same night, all of which are being incorporated into the ongoing case led by the Metropolitan Occidente Prosecutor’s Office. Police have issued a direct call for the remaining suspects to surrender voluntarily to avoid further confrontation with specialized units.
Expert Insight: The rapid identification of suspects in this case highlights a shift toward high-intensity, multi-agency task forces. By integrating the work of specialized units like OS9 and LABOCAR with the Prosecutor’s Office, authorities are prioritizing evidence collection from multiple crime scenes—a necessity when dealing with “tour delictual” offenders who often commit a string of crimes in a single night. The success of this approach depends heavily on the immediate preservation of digital and forensic evidence.
What happens next?
Law enforcement efforts are expected to continue without interruption until all identified individuals are in custody. Because police have linked the suspects to additional illicit acts, the legal proceedings may expand to cover multiple charges beyond the fatal incident in San Bernardo. As the search persists, the judicial process will likely focus on the role of each suspect, given the varying ages of those already detained.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the suspects currently in custody?
According to Minister Martín Arrau, three individuals aged 17, 18, and 21 have been arrested in connection with the crime.
What is the police strategy for the remaining suspects?
General Marcelo Araya stated that specialized units are actively pursuing the remaining members and has urged the suspects to turn themselves in to the authorities.
What evidence was collected during the investigation?
The investigation included the analysis of security camera footage, forensic work, and the seizure of various items of evidence during raids on eight different homes, as reported by the Ministry of Public Security.
How should the justice system balance the need for swift results with the complexity of these multi-crime investigations?
