The Federal Oral Court of Corrientes confirmed on April 11 that the oral trial for those accused in the disappearance of Loan Danilo Peña will begin on June 16, nearly two years after the child was last seen.
The case has drawn significant attention due to various theories about what happened to Loan. Prosecutors say that Loan was not lost but was instead a victim of abduction and concealment.
Seven individuals are charged in connection with the disappearance. The accused include Laudelina Peña, who is Loan’s aunt; former municipal official María Victoria Caillava; former navy officer Carlos Guido Pérez; police commissioner Walter Maciel; Bernardino Antonio Benítez; Mónica del Carmen Millapi; and Daniel Oscar “Fierrito” Ramírez. In addition, ten other people will face trial for crimes related to the investigation, such as witness tampering, obstruction of justice, and fraud against public administration.
The proceedings will be overseen by Judge Fermín Cerolini as part of the Federal Oral Court of Corrientes. Before the trial begins, an on-site inspection is scheduled for May 19 at an orange grove owned by Catalina Peña. This location is notable because one of Loan’s shoes was found there during earlier stages of the investigation.
The outcome of this trial may provide clarity regarding a case that has remained unresolved for almost two years and could have broader implications for how similar cases are handled in Argentina.
