Prosecutor: Search for missing Agostina Vega in Córdoba includes 'alive and without life' hypotheses
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Authorities in Córdoba, Argentina, are intensifying their search for 14-year-old Agostina Vega, who disappeared on Saturday night.
- The prosecutor leading the investigation, Raúl Garzón, stated that they are searching for her both alive and deceased, acknowledging that evidence points in both directions.
- The primary suspect, Claudio Barrelier, who is accused of aggravated unlawful deprivation of liberty, was reportedly a former partner of Agostina's mother and may have lured the teenager to his home under false pretenses.
The search for missing 14-year-old Agostina Vega in Córdoba, Argentina, has entered a critical phase, with investigators pursuing all possible leads.
Prosecutor Raúl Garzón confirmed that the investigation is treating the case with utmost seriousness, stating, "We are looking for her alive and without life. Both hypotheses. The evidence leads in those directions."
Garzón added that "expectations of her being alive and others that are different" are constantly being assessed as new evidence emerges. He assured the public that the investigation is proceeding with professionalism and concern, with all personnel dedicated to finding Agostina.
Searches have focused on the home of the sole detainee, Claudio Barrelier, who is charged with aggravated unlawful deprivation of liberty. Garzón indicated that evidence suggests Agostina was at Barrelier's residence, and no other suspects are currently being considered. Barrelier was reportedly a former partner of Agostina's mother and is suspected of deceiving the teenager into traveling to his home by car, promising a "surprise" for her mother.
Adding to the distress, Agostina's mother, Melisa Heredia, recently received a cryptic message on her phone stating, "Your daughter is fine, sleeping. Stay calm."
Originally published by La Nación in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.