Trial of teen accused in María Fernanda murder postponed to August 10

The start of the trial for a teenager accused of murdering María Fernanda Benítez has been postponed to August 10. The court in Coronel Oviedo rescheduled the proceedings due to a change in the defendant's legal counsel and a request from the Public Ministry.

The trial, which was initially set to begin on Monday, was delayed after the adolescent changed his defense attorney. Lisa Alonso, who was representing the defendant, has been replaced by Carlos Samudio. The Public Ministry also requested the postponement, citing that they are in the final stages of a related trial against adults involved in the same case.

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The trial was postponed after the adolescent changed his defense lawyer.

Prosecutors are currently presenting the last pieces of evidence and preparing final arguments in the adult trial. Given that both trials involve the same case and the same prosecutors, they deemed it necessary to avoid overlapping hearings. The court aims to consolidate as much evidence as possible into fewer sessions, acknowledging that the adult trial has already extended beyond initial expectations.

Due to the accused being a minor at the time of the crime, the trial will be conducted behind closed doors, adhering to special legal provisions for such cases. Meanwhile, the trial against the adults implicated in María Fernanda Benítez's murder is progressing, with the Public Ministry nearing the conclusion of documentary evidence presentation. Video evidence and other audiovisual materials are expected to be shown before final arguments are made.

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Both prosecutors are involved in both processes, so we considered it convenient to avoid the overlap of hearings.