Grandmother of One of Antonich's Children Investigated in Drastic Turn in Mar del Plata Femicide Case

Investigators are exploring new hypotheses in the femicide of Johana Mailén Antonich in Mar del Plata, leading to a 24-hour extension of the gag order on the case. The investigation, led by prosecutor Carlos Russo, is considering the possibility of a contract killing orchestrated by the family of the father of one of Antonich's children. Another significant angle is the obsession the victim allegedly inspired in Agustín Nicolás Díaz Bartolomé, 26, one of the two individuals detained. María de los Ángeles Mariscal, Antonich's mother, stated that Díaz Bartolomé "was obsessed with my daughter." She noted he had a scratch on his face, which she believes was from her daughter defending herself. Mariscal described him as someone who "used to harass her every time he saw her," though her daughter only knew him by sight. Mariscal is convinced the murder was not random, suspecting a trap involving a fake job offer. She also suggested a third, unidentified participant might be involved. Antonich, who worked cleaning at a nightclub, sought additional income to support her two young daughters. The hypothesis of a contract killing stems from reports that she had received threats because she was demanding child support payments from her ex-partner. This possibility has led authorities to seek evidence, including a search of the home of the paternal grandmother of one of Antonich's children, who is considered her former mother-in-law. Hundreds gathered for a march demanding justice for recent crimes and increased security, which led to clashes between protesters and riot police outside the city's police headquarters.