Sofia Delgado, born on May 3, 2012, in the vibrant city of Cali, Valle del Cauca, Colombia, was a beloved child in her family. She was the youngest of two, with a close relationship with her older brother, Daniel, who was five years her senior. Sofia’s parents, Leidy and Cristian Delgado, as well as her brother, cherished her deeply, treating her as the “princess” of their household.
The Delgados resided in the peaceful neighborhood of Viyagorgona in Candelaria, Valle del Cauca, close to Sofia’s paternal grandparents and uncles. This family-centered environment nurtured Sofia Delgado’s cheerful, caring personality, and her love for animals blossomed early—especially for her dog, Molly. She often helped her mother with chores and dreamed of becoming a veterinarian to care for animals with the same love she felt from them.
A Cherished Student and a Neighborhood Favorite
Known for her kindness, dedication, and infectious laughter, Sofia Delgado was respected and loved by teachers, classmates, and neighbors alike. She was a fifth-grader at her local school by September 2024, where her teachers appreciated her respectful nature and commitment to her studies. Typically escorted to school by her mother or a relative, Sofia’s daily life was surrounded by the warmth of her close-knit community. It wasn’t uncommon for her mother, Leidy, to allow Sofia to run short errands or visit her grandparents’ house on her own.
On Sunday, September 29, Sofia spent the day visiting her grandparents. She left in the afternoon, promising to return with dog shampoo to help bathe the pets. Around two in the afternoon, she began the short walk home, her grandmother informing Leidy of her departure. But as the minutes passed and Sofia didn’t return, Leidy’s initial calm turned to worry. Calls to her grandparents confirmed that Sofia Delgado hadn’t returned there either.
The family quickly organized a search, with Cristian asking neighbors if anyone had seen her. A promising lead emerged through surveillance footage on the route Sofia Delgado took home. The video showed her walking casually down the street, seemingly relaxed and unaware of any imminent danger. However, footage from the next camera revealed no sign of Sofia, raising alarm among her family and friends.
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Community Efforts and Critical Leads
The Delgado family, joined by neighbors and friends, launched a thorough search, spreading word throughout the community. Authorities were notified, and they collected evidence, including the surveillance footage and a detailed description of Sofia Delgado: a 12-year-old girl with brown hair and eyes, wearing white shorts, a purple blouse, and white sandals.
The search efforts were bolstered by community reports. Several residents mentioned spotting an unfamiliar white vehicle in the area around the time of Sofia’s disappearance, with some suspecting it might have followed her. Another lead arose when a local resident informed authorities that, earlier that same day, another young girl had encountered a suspicious man at a nearby pet store. The man had offered her dog collars, then tried to trap her inside the shop, but she managed to escape. The family reported this incident on Monday, September 30, hoping it might provide clues in Sofia Delgado’s case.
As the days stretched on with no sign of Sofia Delgado, the family’s determination only grew stronger. Their home became a hub for the search, hosting public appeals and outreach efforts. Police continued to investigate the potential involvement of the white vehicle, reviewing traffic footage and distributing sketches of the car.
A Mother’s Heartfelt Appeal
Sofia’s mother, Leidy, made tearful pleas for her daughter’s safe return, urging the community and authorities to bring Sofia Delgado home. Support grew online as social media amplified Leidy’s call, with posts and hashtags dedicated to Sofia. The community rallied, organizing vigils and gatherings to demand answers, which heightened the public pressure on law enforcement. In response, the Valle del Cauca government announced a reward of 25 million Colombian pesos (approximately $5,800) for information that could lead to Sofia’s discovery.
As the investigation unfolded, authorities began to suspect Sofia Delgado might have been taken abroad. To expand the search, an international alert was issued on October 14. Interpol released a Yellow Notice to extend the search to 195 countries, ensuring that Sofia’s description and details reached law enforcement worldwide. Her physical traits, including her height, brown hair and eyes, and a burn scar on her right-hand finger, were shared to assist border and customs officials in identifying her at land, sea, and air terminals.
The head of Cali’s metropolitan police announced a specialized task force to handle Sofia Delgado’s case, combining efforts from criminal and intelligence units and coordinating with the Attorney General’s Office. Local officers, drones, and small aircraft aided the search in Candelaria. Authorities also issued three search warrants and encouraged community cooperation, though they withheld specifics to protect the investigation’s integrity.
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Community Suspicion and Investigative Leads
As days passed, Sofia’s parents experienced mounting anguish. Leidy’s sorrow was visible in every interview, while Cristian, though quieter, expressed his belief that someone had abducted his daughter. The family had no known enemies after eight years in the neighborhood, adding to their bewilderment.
Suspicions grew among neighbors, many focusing on Brayan Campo, the owner of a nearby pet supply store involved in an earlier incident with another girl. Brayan had recently moved to the area with his wife and daughter, sparking curiosity as to why he hadn’t been formally named a suspect. However, investigators were actively monitoring him based on witness accounts and footage reviewed by Sofia Delgado’s family.
The Heartbreaking Discovery
On October 17, 19 days after Sofia Delgado went missing, authorities confirmed the tragic outcome: Sofia’s remains were found in a sugarcane field on the rural outskirts of Candelaria. The discovery sent shockwaves throughout Colombia, and the community joined Sofia’s family in mourning their unimaginable loss. Authorities soon revealed that Brayan Campo, now the primary suspect, had confessed to the crime and directed them to the location of her body. He was immediately taken into custody, and his partner was also arrested as a potential accomplice.
Following the grim news, the Delgado family received an outpouring of support, with dozens of people gathering to offer condolences. Leidy, devastated, spoke to the media, expressing the profound loss of her youngest child and calling for justice. She shared her sorrow and anger, emphasizing that she never imagined danger lurked so close to her family. Her emotional appeal ended with a demand that those responsible face the full weight of the law.
Authorities detailed the extensive investigation that led to Brayan’s capture. Security camera footage, searches of his residence and pet supply store, and biological evidence matching Sofia’s DNA were critical in securing his arrest. As investigators dug deeper, they discovered that Brayan had previously served time for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl in 2018, but he was released due to procedural delays. Shortly afterward, he formed a relationship with Evelyn, with whom he had a daughter before relocating to the neighborhood.
In a disturbing turn, both his daughter and his previous victim shared the name Sofia, raising questions about a possible fixation. This revelation has added a chilling dimension to the case, deepening the community’s resolve for justice in Sofia Delgado’s memory.
Shocking Details of the Crime Emerge
Following the discovery of Sofia Delgado’s remains, authorities revealed horrifying details of the crime. Her body had been dismembered, with the remains placed in dog food bags and discarded in a sugarcane field. Due to exposure to the elements and wildlife, only skeletal remains were recovered, making forensic testing necessary to determine if Sofia Delgado had suffered sexual assault, which authorities suspected given Brayan’s criminal history. The gruesome nature of the case sparked a surge of anger within the Viyagorgona community, leading some residents to take matters into their own hands.
Fueled by anger, locals vandalized and set fire to Brayan’s pet supply store. Videos showing people breaking down the shutters and smashing the storefront spread quickly on social media. The crowd also targeted Brayan’s residence, where he lived with his partner, Evelyn, and their daughter. Although the property owner clarified that the apartment was unoccupied and had multiple tenants, tensions remained high as protesters later gathered outside the police station where Brayan and Evelyn were thought to be held. In the chaotic scene, officers intervened to restore order.
The community’s outrage intensified when Evelyn was released the same day of her arrest, with authorities citing insufficient evidence to hold her, though she remained under investigation. Many residents were frustrated that Brayan had allegedly attempted to abduct another girl from the neighborhood on the same day Sofia disappeared, a report they believed had not been adequately addressed. To prevent further unrest, the mayor of Candelaria imposed a curfew from 9 PM to 5 AM on October 18 and declared three days of mourning in Sofia Delgado’s honor. That evening, Sofia’s family held a vigil, where mourners in white gathered with candles, balloons, and flashlights to remember her and seek justice.
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Brayan’s Confession and Court Appearance
On October 18, Brayan Campo appeared before a judge in Palmira and admitted to attempting to detain another girl in his store around midday on September 29. He also confessed to the abduction and murder of Sofia Delgado. In a closed virtual hearing, he was charged with multiple offenses, including aggravated femicide, aggravated abduction, and tampering with evidence.
Chilling details of the crime surfaced: Brayan had reportedly lured Sofia Delgado into his store under the pretense of offering free dog collars and treats. When Sofia sensed danger and tried to escape, Brayan struck her, rendering her unconscious. After securing the store, he temporarily left to avoid suspicion, allegedly to prevent Evelyn from discovering Sofia. He later returned and, according to authorities, ended Sofia’s life, placing her remains in dog food bags and disposing of them in the sugarcane field.
Sofia’s funeral took place on October 19, with over 3,000 attendees. Her casket was carried on a fire truck, while mourners in shirts printed with her photo held flowers, balloons, and signs calling for justice. In a moving tribute, the crowd released white balloons outside the cemetery in her honor. The tragedy united the community in mourning, and the demand for justice resonated widely.
After her release, Evelyn spoke out on social media, claiming innocence and stating that she, too, had suffered abuse at Brayan’s hands. She shared images from Sofia’s funeral and voiced her desire for justice. Daniel, Sofia Delgado’s 17-year-old brother, also expressed his sorrow online, mourning the loss of his sister and reflecting on how her absence left a void in their family.
Evelyn’s Exclusive Interview: “I Had No Idea”
Days later, Evelyn gave an exclusive interview to a local news outlet, describing her experience. She claimed she was shocked and devastated by Brayan’s actions, feeling hated by the country and even concerned for her young daughter’s safety due to growing hostility. Evelyn recounted that she was aware of Brayan’s past conviction from 2018 but had believed his claim that it was a setup. She stated that Brayan had denied any involvement in Sofia’s death even after the discovery of her remains, though her trust in him was shattered.
In her statements, Evelyn shared that on the day Sofia Delgado disappeared, Brayan exhibited no unusual behavior. She confirmed that he returned to their store after lunch and later that evening joined her at home, where they watched movies together as if nothing had happened. Throughout the week, Evelyn noticed no signs of anxiety or remorse from Brayan. She mentioned that her studies in another town often left Brayan responsible for their daughter, but she had never felt uncomfortable with this arrangement or observed anything unusual in his interactions with children.
Following her release, Evelyn’s daughter was placed in the care of Evelyn’s parents, as Evelyn remained under investigation. Some sources speculated that her release might be linked to a possible agreement with the prosecution, though this has not been officially confirmed. Prosecutors noted discrepancies between Brayan’s and Evelyn’s statements, leaving her future involvement uncertain pending a judge’s decision.
Brayan’s Legal Status and Potential Sentence
Brayan Campo, now isolated in a high-security prison, faces a potential 50-year sentence if convicted. Sofia Delgado’s parents, however, have publicly called for the harshest penalty possible, expressing that for them, true justice would mean a life sentence—a measure not currently available under Colombian law. Local media reports indicate that no date has been set for Brayan’s next hearing. This case coincides with a controversial criminal code reform proposal that could potentially reduce sentences for crimes against minors, sparking public outrage.
Sofia’s case has struck a deep chord across Colombia, igniting a national conversation on the protection of children. In response, President Gustavo Petro issued a statement on social media, asserting that Colombia’s children deserve more than sympathetic words when their rights are so vulnerable. He emphasized the importance of ensuring these tragedies are not repeated, with many interpreting his words as a stance against the proposed criminal code reform that could reduce sentences for crimes against children.
The tragic abduction and murder of Sofia Delgado have united Colombian society in mourning. The shocking details of her case have stirred Colombians to demand justice and reflect on the need for stronger protections for children. Sofia’s story has become a rallying cry for change, symbolizing the resilience of a society determined to overcome violence and build a future of peace.
