Camila Magnano
02/29/2020 - 10:56
- Clarín.com
- Society
The sun passes through the branches of the trees. The neighbors take the opportunity to go shopping. Near the river, teenagers enjoy the day and take mates in groups. A normal scenario of any summer day in Tigre. Only journalists who roam the area cut with the routine. Waiting. With the cameras ready in case Fabián Tablado appears.
“We hope he regrets what he did,” says Pablo (70) as he leans his head between the wall and the fence. Almost regretfully. “Poor parents. Poor people, ”he repeats sadly. And after those loose phrases, he gets in quickly. He doesn't want to talk because he has known the Tablado family for years. "If it's about Fabian, I'm not going to say anything," he had clarified at the start of the brief talk.
Some neighbors look without understanding. They do not know that this house was a crime scene. The place of the 113 stabs: three knives, a form and a suicide that was not. Tablado was responsible for the murder on May 27, 1996. Today, almost 24 years later, he was released after serving his sentence. The victim was his 16-year-old girlfriend, Carolina Aló. A femicide, although at that time the term was not used. 18 years and many deaths of women passed for a law to be passed.
“It is wrong that I return. But if the family accepts it there is nothing to do. A mother always fights, ”says Silvia (57) on the sidewalk of her bakery, which works 11 years ago. She also agrees with Pablo and stresses that the family "is excellent." When asked about the possibility of Tablado returning home, he says: "I don't think he will do it, because of the memories."
Silence is the protagonist. It is only broken by a murmur or greeting. Italy Avenue is only half a block away, but traffic is not heard. The Luján river flows at 200 meters. This is the area where Tablado lived. This is Tigre. And 24 years later it didn't change much. A quiet place that was the focus of attention very rarely. On May 27, 1996 and now, on February 28, 2020, when the killer was released. Two dates that will be marked in the neighborhood.
Fabián Tablado is released from the Campana prison after almost 24 years in prison. Photo: Guillermo Rodríguez Adami
“I think that the man who kills the woman must be imprisoned,” says Diego (40). “But I also put myself in the place of parents. I think that the entrance to a house is not denied to any child, ”he remarks. He has lived around Albarellos 348 for 22 years. "If he returns, he would have nothing against it," he concludes.
Many neighbors remember the family. They describe her as humble and hardworking. They feel sorry for the ordeal they had to go through. They know the parents by the commercial premises they have a few blocks away. And the children have them present for having seen them in the neighborhood. "Educated," "good," they describe.
“We are afraid that he will return to the street. For my children, mainly, ”laments Anahí (41). "Maybe he's sorry, but he's crazy, he's crazy," she adds worried. In that sense, Ariel (41) also says he would be afraid for his wife and daughter. "I don't think it supports the eyes," he concludes. Meanwhile, the last name Tablado, protagonist of news throughout the country, is still whispered here.
Journalists walk on the sidewalk or on the street with the cell phone in hand waiting for the signal to go live. But, if it were not for the cameras and flashes, that house located in Albarellos 348 would go unnoticed by anyone. It is just one of the many in the block. The sign indicating the numbering is rusty, it is hardly seen. There is no movement inside. It seems that time stopped. The houses next door are large, with exposed bricks. There are also internal corridors, gardens with flowers, large trees. Only a few departments in block that are in front cut with that harmony.
Life goes on for the neighbors of the neighborhood. Some feel fear for them, for their family. Others lament what happened and feel sorry for the Tablado. Most have known each other for years. And they agree that they are "good people, humble, hardworking." Others say he should remain in prison. "What he did can do it again," says Felix (78).
Although when he left the prison Tablado said he will not return to the house where the crime occurred, the possibility still breathes in the neighborhood. And the neighbors wait with a mixture of fear, sorrow, anger and even indifference.