A 13-year-old girl died under mysterious circumstances at a military summer camp in Mexico, with her grandmother alleging she was beaten. Dafne Zapata Quintos Martínez arrived at the Marina Doenitz Military Academy in Ciudad Madero on July 13 and died four days later.
The death certificate lists asphyxia caused by submersion as the cause of death.
Allegations of mistreatment
Her mother, Alejandra Quintos, told local press: "I handed her over alive and healthy. She came here for a summer course, a military-style camp. All they tell me is that she suddenly collapsed in the bathroom out of nowhere, and then 10 minutes later they call me to say she has no vital signs."
The academy had a policy prohibiting direct phone contact between children and their families. The camp cost 25,000 MXN (£1,071). Staff member Estrella Mora called Alejandra on July 14 to report that Dafne had vomited and fainted face-first during a physical activity, splitting her lip. The next day, Mora allegedly informed her that Dafne had recovered after receiving medication and fluids. On July 17, Mora reported coughing, vomiting, and incontinence, and minutes later Alejandra was told her daughter had died.
When Alejandra arrived, Dafne's body was already in a body bag.
Witness accounts
Days later, a girl who attended the camp allegedly told Alejandra: "When Dafne was standing, they pushed her and she fell face-first. Then they took her to the room, and when they punished her, they would submerge her face in water, and when she couldn't take it any more, they would make her keep running."
Dafne's grandmother said the teenager had injuries on her face. "They beat her, I know they beat her," she told local media.
Other allegations
After Dafne's death, several parents collected their children, who have given statements to prosecutors. One child allegedly claimed students were forced to take drugs to endure training, while another alleged they were forced to hit each other.
Academy director Jorge Luis Ponce Ortega has denied mistreatment and told prosecutors that Dafne arrived with an undetected pre-existing medical issue. He told local media: "She suddenly collapsed while she was showering and never woke up."
Investigation
Dafne's family announced they will hire independent experts for a second autopsy. The Tamaulipas Prosecutor's Office has sealed off the academy building as the investigation continues.
Her mother declared: "I love you, my Dafne. I will fight for justice until my last breath."
