María Fernanda Case: Testimonies reinforce disappearance simulation hypothesis, according to Prosecutor's Office

Testimonies presented in the ongoing trial for the murder of María Fernanda Benítez are strengthening the prosecution's theory that her disappearance was a simulated event. The ongoing oral and public trial is hearing from teachers and others connected to the victim and the main accused.

Prosecutor Fermín Segovia stated that several witnesses, including teachers from the educational institution attended by both María Fernanda and the adolescent accused of her death, have fully supported the Public Ministry's accusations. One key aspect discussed was a visit by the main accused's mother to the school shortly after the teenager's disappearance. Segovia indicated that the prosecution believes this visit suggests prior knowledge of what had occurred, with an attempt to later present a different version of events.

The prosecutor recalled that documentation exists showing a report was filed the day after the disappearance, which the investigation suggests did not align with the reality of the situation. "We have documentary evidence that a report was filed the next day and that it was totally erroneous according to reality," Segovia stated. He added that the prosecution sees contradictions between this report and other evidence gathered, leading them to believe the actions attributed to the adolescent's parents could constitute the crime of simulating a crime.

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These people have fully corroborated what the Public Ministry maintained in the respective accusations.

A neighbor of the main accused's family testified that three days after María Fernanda vanished, she saw both the father and son burning trash and branches in a pit. The following day, the adolescent's body was found in that same pit. The prosecution views this testimony as significant, potentially supporting the hypothesis that the parents were aware of the crime and attempted to conceal related evidence.

Segovia also noted that witness testimonies have helped establish the timeline and locations of María Fernanda, the accused adolescent, and other defendants during critical moments of the case. These statements also reference the involvement and presence of other accused individuals, including the adolescent's mother, which aligns with the prosecution's initial allegations and will aid in determining their level of participation.

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We have documentary evidence that a report was filed the next day and that it was totally erroneous according to reality.