The case of Ángel, a young boy whose death has deeply affected Comodoro Rivadavia, has prompted intervention by the Superior Tribunal of Justice (STJ) of Chubut. The tribunal has initiated an audit of the judicial technical team that granted custody of Ángel to his biological mother, Mariela Altamirano.
The decision, made this Tuesday, includes the appointment of Chamber Judge María Marta Nieto to conduct the 60-day audit of the team, which provides support to Family Courts. The directive was signed by all six ministers of the STJ: Andrés Giacomone, Javier Raidan, Silvia Bustos, Camila Banfi, Mario Vivas, and Ricardo Napolitani.
Judge Nieto will be assisted technically by Valentina Kresteff, coordinator of the Interdisciplinary Technical Teams, and Gisela Ochoa, a functionary of the provincial’s highest court.
The tribunal’s decision references the “lamentable event” that recently occurred in Comodoro Rivadavia, alluding to the case of Ángel.
Justice Imputes Mother and Partner with Homicide
On Tuesday morning, an imputation hearing was held at the Penal Courts of the Roca neighborhood, where Mariela Altamirano and Maicol González were formally charged with “aggravated homicide due to the familial connection.”
In addition to the charges, the Justice ordered six months of preventive detention for both individuals due to the risk of flight and potential obstruction of the investigation.
During the hearing, Altamirano remained silent and did not create a statement, reportedly avoiding eye contact with the paternal family and Lorena Andrade, the boy’s stepmother, who was present demanding justice. González, however, asserted his innocence, stating, “We are innocent. We also seek to know what happened.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the intervention by the Superior Tribunal of Justice?
The intervention was prompted by the “lamentable event” – the death of Ángel – and a desire to review the work of the judicial technical team that recommended granting custody to his mother.
Who is leading the audit?
Chamber Judge María Marta Nieto is leading the audit, with technical assistance from Valentina Kresteff and Gisela Ochoa.
What charges have been filed in connection with Ángel’s death?
Mariela Altamirano and Maicol González have been charged with “aggravated homicide due to the familial connection” and are being held in preventive detention for six months.
As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen what the audit will reveal about the decision-making process that led to Ángel being placed in the care of his mother, and what changes, if any, will be implemented to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
