Judge postpones La Barbie del Sur hearing after defense says it is unprepared to present evidence

The hearing intended to determine which evidence could be used in the trial of Jennifer Baches Bolaños, known as La Barbie del Sur, and Axel Omar Sánchez did not proceed as planned in Guatemala. The defendants face charges involving the storage, trafficking and illicit trade of drugs.

The Public Ministry presented its proposed evidence before the High-Risk Court D. A dispute then arose over the defense’s ability to respond. Baches had changed lawyers, and her new attorneys had only recently joined the proceedings.

The lawyers attempted to challenge the evidence presented by prosecutors. Judge Abelina Cruz told them that the hearing was for submitting their own evidence, not for making those arguments. The defense replied that it could not provide the relevant material because it had entered the case only the previous Wednesday.

Cruz postponed the continuation of the hearing until the following Monday, giving the defense time to prepare its evidence. The court will then consider which of the submitted materials should be admitted for the trial. On Sept. 7, authorities are also expected to announce which tribunal will oversee the case and when the trial will begin.

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This is not the time to make such arguments; you must present your evidence.