Eight years after one of Guatemala’s darkest tragedies, a judge has finally handed down justice. Six former officials — including two ex-police officers — were convicted over the horrific 2017 fire at the Virgin de la Asunción Safe Home that killed 41 girls and injured 15 others.

The shelter, meant for vulnerable youth, was already infamous for abuse and overcrowding. On March 8, 2017, 56 girls were locked in a classroom as punishment after trying to escape. With no bathroom, little food, and guards outside, one girl set fire to a mattress, hoping it would force police to open the door. Instead, officers allegedly ignored desperate screams for nine minutes — long enough for smoke and flames to consume the room.

Among those convicted was ex-social welfare secretary Carlos Rodas (25 years) and former police officer Lucinda Marroquín (13 years), who investigators say was on her phone when the fire started and allegedly told someone, “Let them burn.”

Judge Ingrid Cifuentes also called for an investigation into former president Jimmy Morales’ role. Families of the victims say the verdict is an important step — but the fight for accountability isn’t over.