Trial for Alleged Murderer of MAFE Advances; Testimonies Ratify Accusation

The oral trial against a teenager accused of the murder of María Fernanda Benítez, known as Mafe, is advancing swiftly in Coronel Oviedo. Prosecutor Fermín Segovia reported that testimonies heard thus far have strongly supported the prosecution's case, validating the accusations against the minor and also implicating adults involved in the crime.

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The four initial statements have been very productive from the point of view of the fiscal prosecution and have ratified not only what was maintained against the adolescent, but also in relation to the adults involved.

During a recent court session, seven witnesses were scheduled to testify. Four have already provided their statements, which Segovia described as highly productive for the prosecution. These testimonies have not only reinforced the evidence against the teenage suspect but also corroborated the charges against other adults connected to the case. The prosecutor declined to provide specific details about the testimony of a young woman romantically linked to the main accused, citing the ongoing trial's confidentiality.

With the testimonies gathered so far, a total of nine individuals have appeared before the court in this trial. Segovia noted that the proceedings are moving faster than the trial involving the adult co-defendants. He anticipates that the current trial could conclude within the next two to three weeks.

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A principle of reservation applies. We cannot disclose details of what people declare within the closed trial, but we can mention that the fiscal accusations are indeed ratified in all points and in relation to all persons involved.

The court has summoned 35 witnesses proposed by the prosecution, while the defense has presented only two. The prosecution aims for all witnesses to reaffirm their earlier statements made during the investigation phase to solidify their final accusations and seek appropriate sanctions against the adolescent defendant. Concurrently, the trial for five adults implicated in matters related to Mafe's murder is set to continue with final arguments from their respective defense teams.

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I believe that in two to three more weeks we will be concluding the present trial.