Femicide suspect to remain in detention as appeals court upholds decision

A suspect accused of murdering prosecutor Patricia Ossa will remain in provisional detention as investigations continue. The Appeals Court upheld the detention of Orlando Cuesta, who is also charged with aggravated robbery. The victim, an assistant prosecutor, was allegedly shot by her ex-partner on May 18.

The Appeals Court decided to keep Orlando Cuesta in provisional detention while the investigation into the femicide of assistant prosecutor Patricia Soledad Ossa progresses. Cuesta's defense had requested the revocation of the initial measure imposed on him.

During the appeal hearing, the Metropolitan Homicide and Femicide Prosecutor's Office argued that there were procedural risks justifying the most severe precautionary measure. They successfully convinced the Court to maintain Cuesta's detention as the investigation unfolds.

Cuesta was charged on May 20 with femicide and aggravated robbery. The latter charge was added after authorities could not locate the victim's cell phone, which is considered a relevant element for the investigation. The Public Ministry asserts that deprivation of liberty is necessary to ensure the investigation's progress and prevent potential disruptions to the criminal process.

The victim, an assistant prosecutor in the metropolitan area, died on May 18 after allegedly being shot by her ex-partner in the Pueblo Nuevo district. The Prosecutor's Office is continuing to gather evidence to clarify the crime's circumstances and strengthen its case for future judicial stages.