Mafe murder trial nears verdict; pregnancy cited as motive

The judicial process surrounding the "Mafe" case, the femicide of 17-year-old María Fernanda Benítez, is entering its final stages in Coronel Oviedo. While awaiting a verdict for the adults accused of concealment and complicity, the Public Ministry is advancing the case against the primary perpetrator, identifying the victim's pregnancy as the motive for the murder.

María Fernanda disappeared on May 27, 2025, after leaving her home for a school assignment. She was killed in the residence of the main suspect, a minor with whom she had a relationship, due to her pregnancy. The trial for the adults involved is progressing towards its conclusion, with the Public Ministry seeking convictions.

Prosecutor Fermín Segovia stated that the defenses have concluded their arguments, and the court will proceed to the defendants' final statements and family victim statements on Tuesday, followed by deliberation and sentencing. The accusations against the adult defendants include instigation to commit femicide, failure to report a punishable act, and apology for a crime for Mikhaela Rolón; complicity in attempted abortion and obstruction of justice for Franco Antonio Acosta; obstruction of justice for the main suspect's father-in-law; and exposure to danger and simulation of a punishable act for the alleged killer's parents.

Segovia explained that the prosecution attributes feminicide and attempted abortion charges to the young suspect because of his relationship with the victim and the pregnancy motive. Although the accused is now an adult, he is being tried under the adolescent penal regime because he was a minor at the time of the offense. This means the applicable laws are those in effect at the time of the crime, restricting data disclosure and allowing for closed-door proceedings.

The trial for the alleged perpetrator has seen significant progress, with testimonies reportedly corroborating the accusations. The prosecution has made substantial advancements in this parallel trial, which continues daily.