Maradona's Custodian, Detained in First Trial, Testifies Again

Three former security guards who were with Diego Maradona in his final days are scheduled to testify in the ongoing trial concerning his death. Among them is Julio César Coria, who faced detention for alleged false testimony during the initial trial that was later annulled.

Coria, along with Julio Soria and Martín Domínguez, formed part of the security detail surrounding the football legend before his death on November 25, 2020. He was accused by prosecutor Patricio Ferrari of providing contradictory statements and denying a relationship with Maradona's neurosurgeon, Leopoldo Luque, who is a primary defendant. Text messages presented as evidence reportedly showed a close relationship, contradicting Coria's denial. The court had ordered his immediate arrest for false testimony, a dramatic moment in the first proceedings.

The first trial was annulled due to judicial misconduct, specifically involving Judge Julieta Makintach's participation in a documentary about the case. Coria's defense attorney had argued his arrest was staged for dramatic effect. Separately, Julio Soria had previously highlighted Maradona's alcohol consumption against medical advice during his final treatment period.

Prosecutors hope the guards' testimonies will provide crucial details about Maradona's physical and mental state, the effectiveness of his home care, and the interactions between his support staff and the medical professionals accused in the case. The defendants, including Luque and psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov, face charges of simple homicide with eventual intent.