Paraguay Sets Trial Date for Suspect in María Fernanda Benítez Murder Case

A trial has been scheduled to begin on June 16 for the primary suspect in the murder of María Fernanda Benítez, a case that has gripped Paraguay. The trial commences nearly a year after the young woman's disappearance and death, an event that deeply shocked the nation.

The accused, who was 17 at the time of the crime but has since reached the age of majority, will face a trial before a Sentence Tribunal. The charges against him include alleged violation of parental authority, feminicide, violation of coexistence norms, and attempted abortion. This trial date is set just one day before the one-year anniversary of Benítez's murder.

Separately, a third attempt to commence the trial for five adults accused in connection with the case is scheduled for this Thursday. These individuals include the main suspect's parents, who face charges for allegedly simulating criminal acts and endangering traffic, as they reportedly provided the motorcycle used by the teenager. An attorney is also implicated for allegedly supplying abortifacient medication, while the suspect's father-in-law is charged with failing to report the crime. Another individual faces charges for inciting criminal acts.

Prosecutors have expressed confidence that justice will be served, despite previous delays attributed to procedural incidents. The court has warned all parties against further dilatory tactics, emphasizing that such actions hinder the judicial process and could result in sanctions.