Case Zoila Castillo: Court orders 9 months of pretrial detention for Alexis Alcántara for double murder in San Martín

A Peruvian judge has ordered nine months of pretrial detention for Alexis Alcántara Tellería, who is under investigation for the alleged double murder of Zoila Castillo Chanduco and her six-year-old son in the San Martín region. The Tocache Preliminary Investigation Court mandated the detention, citing legal requirements such as the potential for a sentence exceeding five years, flight risk, and the possibility of obstructing justice. The Public Ministry has charged Alcántara with femicide and aggravated homicide. The case came to light on May 26 with the discovery of the child's body in Uchiza. Zoila Castillo's remains were found approximately 100 meters away three days later. Police reports indicate Alcántara admitted to a romantic relationship with Castillo and that they were together with the child before traveling to Tocache. Authorities apprehended Alcántara in Lima's Jesús María district after gathering initial evidence. A vehicle believed to have been used to transport the mother and child in San Martín was also seized. Alcántara is to be held in a penal facility until February 27, 2027, though his defense plans to appeal the decision.