The Testimony That Unveils the Tragedy
On Wednesday, August 13, 2026, a tragic event shook Villa Devoto, a residential neighborhood in the western part of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Romina María de los Ángeles Calvo (40) was fatally stabbed by her partner, Walter Humberto Verón (56), inside their family home located at Pedro Morán 5200. Verón, a butcher by trade, attacked the victim with a butcher knife, inflicting over 40 wounds, before attempting suicide by cutting his own throat. He currently remains in grave condition at the Hospital Vélez Sarsfield.
Just one day later, her eldest son, Juan Sebastián Verón (23), spoke exclusively to the Argentine news program Diario de Mariana (broadcasted on América TV). He recounted the terrifying morning: “I was at home when my 21-year-old brother called me, begging me to go there immediately. During that call, I heard my little sister explaining what had just happened.” The youngest daughter, only 8 years old, witnessed the brutal attack and desperately ran out to seek help.
Juan Sebastián confirmed that his father is “very grave” and that medical professionals do not expect him to survive for many more days. “From what the doctors told me, I don't think he will live many more days,” he expressed.
Context for Foreigners: What is a 'Femicide' in Argentina?
In Argentina, 'femicidio' (femicide) is a specific legal term for the killing of a woman based on her gender, often by a current or former partner. It is a severe issue in the country, heavily addressed by the Ni Una Menos (Not One Less) movement. Official statistics indicate that a femicide is registered every 35 hours in Argentina, making cases like this a focal point for national awareness and legal reform.
The Killer's Note and the Role of Pitty the Numerologist
One of the most controversial aspects of this case is the handwritten note Verón left at the crime scene. In it, he blamed “Pitty” (Verónica Asad) for the couple's problems. Pitty is a very well-known numerologist and TV personality in Argentina, often consulted by celebrities. A makeshift altar with candles and a Bible with notes regarding the sale of a property in La Tablada were also found.
Juan Sebastián firmly defended Pitty, dispelling rumors circulating in local media: “It is nothing like what they are saying, that my mom gave her money. Not at all. Pitty never received money from us. She was actually about to give us the opportunity to open a store in Devoto and was going to grant us the franchise.”
He also clarified that the altar was not dedicated to the numerologist: “It is not an altar for Pitty; it is an altar for a saint, specifically Yemayá.” (Note: Yemayá is a prominent Orisha, a deity in the Afro-American religions like Santería, representing the mother of all, the sea, and protection.)
The Relationship and Economic Struggles
The young man acknowledged being aware of the tensions between his parents, although he denied any previous episodes of physical violence. “I knew about their relationship and how it was going. In my opinion, they should have ended the relationship a long time ago. This was the first time something so serious happened. She didn't suffer beatings, nothing at all, neither us three siblings,” he affirmed.
The final argument was reportedly related to economic hardships, a common stress factor in Argentina due to high inflation. “I don't know if it was abuse, but it was definitely arguments between them over economic issues, how hard it is to get ahead these days,” he explained.
Regarding his father's note, Sebastián provided his own interpretation: “They twisted the letter's meaning. It's not that she was financially draining him. It's about the fact that they were all trying to get ahead—my parents and us three—with so many bills to pay. The car, utilities, credit cards, everything. What I interpreted from that letter is a man who reached his absolute limit because of how difficult it is to survive in this country.”
Pitty's Heartfelt Message and Call to Action
Amidst the media controversy, Pitty used her social media platforms to remember Romina, whom she defined as “a woman who worked with me.” She posted: “I only managed to find this photo today. Because, besides being a hard worker, you were always respectful and very loving. This time I am not speaking about my work. I am speaking as a woman.”
In her powerful message, Pitty made a clear call to action for women suffering in silence: “If you are afraid, ask for help. If he controls you, it is not love. If he threatens you, it is not love. If he humiliates you, isolates you, or makes you feel like you cannot escape, it is not love.” She also urged society not to look the other way: “Let us not divert our gaze from the truly tragic part of this ending: that a woman was murdered in front of her daughter.”
The Judicial Investigation
The legal case was initially handled by the Federal Court N° 2 of Lomas de Zamora (a judicial department in the southern part of Greater Buenos Aires). However, Judge Luis Arnella was replaced by Juan Tomás Rodríguez Ponte. A preliminary autopsy confirmed the multiple stab wounds. The 8-year-old daughter and the 21-year-old son were the first to alert the City Police.
This tragic event has deeply moved the local community and reignited the urgent debate on gender violence in Argentina, highlighting the critical need for support networks and early intervention to prevent future losses.