The Sentencing Tribunal was recused by the defense of one of the accused, and the new trial is suspended until a decision by the Court of Appeals. The victim's father criticizes the delay and announces a protest.
Víctor Vera
Juez integrante del Tribunal de Sentencia recusado en el caso María Fernanda Benítez.
The oral and public trial for the femicide of María Fernanda Benítez, a 17-year-old pregnant teenager murdered in Coronel Oviedo in May 2025, was suspended for the second time after the defense of pharmacist Franco Acosta Céspedes recused all three judges of the Sentencing Tribunal. The Appeals Chamber will decide whether to uphold or remove magistrates Luis Ovelar, Andrea Riquelme, and Víctor Vera.