Mercedes Luzmira Polden Pehuén died that day at 7:00 hours, in the Pablo de Rokha neighborhood, due to a thoracic-cardiac gunshot wound with no exit wound, as certified by her Death Certificate.

According to witness statements, at approximately 3:00 hours that day, Mercedes Polden and some friends were returning from a social gathering and were crossing a vacant lot known as "El Hoyo," located in the Pablo de Rokha neighborhood, in the commune of La Granja.

One of the witnesses noted that they noticed the presence of two officers from the Civil Commission of Carabineros whom they already knew. They questioned them about the reasons for their presence in the area.

An argument ensued, and one of the officers, who had his service weapon in his hand, threatened the group. Mercedes Polden became frightened and, while pleading for them not to do anything, grabbed the Carabineros officer by the arm; after a brief struggle, she turned around and began to walk away. At that moment, the officer shot her, striking her in the back, as recorded in the Autopsy Report.

As stated in the criminal complaint filed by her family, her semi-nude body was left lying there, with her clothes torn to simulate a rape, and was found the following day by market vendors. The eyewitnesses were detained and taken to a Carabineros station, where attempts were made to force them to incriminate themselves for the crime of rape.

The Third Military Prosecutor's Office of Santiago, having knowledge of these events, temporarily dismissed the case, deeming that there was no evidence to establish that her death was the result of any crime. A similar dismissal was issued in relation to the crime of unnecessary violence charged against Carabineros personnel.

Considering the evidence gathered and the investigation conducted by this Corporation, the Superior Council declared Mercedes Luzmira Polden Pehuén a victim of human rights violations committed by State agents who made irrational use of force.