Mafe Case Enters Decisive Stage as Closing Arguments Begin

The trial of the main suspect in the killing of María Fernanda Benítez has entered its decisive stage in Coronel Oviedo, with the sentencing court constituted on Monday.

Judges Raúl Marecos, Vidal Santa Cruz and Roberto Estigarribia will decide the case. The crime occurred on May 27, 2025, when the accused was 16 years old. The proceedings remain closed because he was a minor at the time.

Closing arguments by the Public Prosecutor’s Office, the private prosecution and the defense will begin at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 10. Prosecutor Fermín Segovia said the parties will speak in that order.

The first phase will address whether the crime occurred and whether the accused bears responsibility. If the judges consider both points proven, the parties will then argue over the applicable sanction. The court will deliberate again before issuing its final judgment under the Criminal Procedure Code.

If convicted, the accused could receive up to eight years in detention, the maximum penalty available for an adolescent who committed a crime, according to Segovia. The start of closing arguments will therefore open the final stage before the court reaches its decision.