Diabolical Tragedy: The Strange Case of Two Cousins ​​Dead in a Bathtub

In April 1989, a puzzling police case took place in Vicente López, Argentina, when two cousins, Irma Beatriz Girón, 22, and Gloria Fernández, 15, were found dead in a bathtub. This tragic event began to unfold on April 13, when Irma borrowed the phone from a neighbor to call a doctor, since Gloria had a fever. Despite the fact that the doctor visited the department and prescribed antibiotics, the situation turned fatal in the following days.

On April 16, after receiving complaints from neighbors about a nauseating smell, the police entered the apartment and discovered the bodies of the two women in the bathtub, semi-submerged in water and in an advanced state of decomposition. At first glance, forensics estimated that they had been dead for more than a week, even though neighbors had seen them alive only three days earlier.

The scene was macabre: both women were naked and positioned in such a way that they seemed to be looking at each other. The initial investigation considered several hypotheses, including a possible arranged suicide, a drug-related reckoning, or even the intervention of a venomous snake, such as the black mamba, due to the strange decomposition of the bodies. However, autopsies revealed that there were no signs of violence, abuse or illnesses that could have caused the death.

Finally, after a re-autopsy, the cause of death was determined to be carbon monoxide poisoning, the result of a domestic accident. It was discovered that the gas stove had been turned off before the bodies were found, which had led to the accumulation of this lethal gas in the small unvented bathroom. This outcome surprised the investigators, who had been dealing with a case that seemed more like a Gothic novel enigma than a real tragedy.

Initial theories

The initial theories about the cause of death of Irma and Gloria, who were found dead in a bathtub in April 1989, varied considerably due to the mysterious circumstances surrounding the case.

1. Carbon monoxide poisoning: Although this was the final confirmed cause, it was initially ruled out by forensics. However, the rapid decomposition of the bodies led some researchers to reconsider this hypothesis later, especially after carboxyhemoglobin was found in the bodies during a re-autopsy.

2. Snake venom: One of the most striking theories was that the cousins had been killed with the venom of a snake, specifically the black mamba. This hypothesis arose due to the rapid decomposition of the bodies, which resembled previous cases where the venom of this snake had caused similar effects. There was speculation that Irma's boyfriend, who worked at a place that had snakes, might have been involved.

3. Suicide pact or crime of passion: The possibility that the women had been involved in a suicide pact, or that their death was related to a crime of passion was also considered. These theories arose from speculation about their relationship and the environment in which they lived.

4. Domestic Accident: Finally, after further investigation, the cause of death was determined to be a domestic accident related to carbon monoxide inhalation, the result of a gas stove burning in an unventilated bathroom. This conclusion was reached after the evidence was reviewed and a new autopsy was performed confirming the presence of carbon monoxide in their bodies.

The case of Irma and Gloria is an example of how first impressions and theories can complicate an investigation, especially when unusual and tragic circumstances arise.

A shocked society

The community's reaction to the discovery of the bodies of Irma Girón and Gloria Fernández was one of profound shock and horror. When the neighbors began to perceive a nauseating smell coming from the apartment where the cousins lived, they were alarmed and decided to call the police. The situation became even more disturbing when the agents, upon entering the place, found the bodies in an advanced state of decomposition, which led many to think that they had been dead for a considerable time, despite the fact that neighbors had seen them alive only a few days earlier.

The scene was described as macabre and worthy of a horror movie, which intensified fear and curiosity in the community. The police had to break down the door to gain access to the apartment, and the smell was so strong that one of the officers came to vomit in the hallway.

In addition, the mysterious nature of the deaths, along with speculation about a possible crime, generated a great media stir. The local press picked up on the case, presenting it as an enigma involving theories about poisons, suicide pacts and other sensational elements, which kept the community in a state of unease and speculation.

As the investigation progressed, the community became increasingly intrigued and concerned about the lack of clear answers. Uncertainty about the circumstances of the deaths and the possibility that a criminal was on the loose fueled fear and speculation among Vicente Lopez residents.

The case of Irma and Gloria continues to be remembered as one of the strangest and most tragic in Argentine police history, standing out not only for the circumstances of their deaths, but also for the confusion and mystery that surrounded the initial investigation.