Man Charged with Femicide and Suicide in Córdoba
The small town of Monte Maíz in Córdoba is in shock following a femicide-suicide case that has left the community reeling. The events unfolded on the afternoon of Thursday, December 31, when firefighters responded to a call about an accident on Provincial Route 11. Upon arrival, they found Roberto José Basualdo, a 56-year-old man, had crashed his car into a tree on the side of the road, setting the vehicle ablaze.
Neighbors rushed to rescue Basualdo from the vehicle, and he was later transported to the local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. Initially, police investigated the incident as an accident, but a sudden turn of events revealed the grim truth.
A young man later reported finding his mother, 32-year-old Silvina Lorena Curbelo, dead in her home. Early investigations revealed that Curbelo was Basualdo’s partner. Police discovered that Basualdo had brutally murdered Curbelo in their shared home before fleeing the scene and causing the accident, ultimately leading to his own death.
"The perpetrator is believed to have used a knife during the attack on his partner," said a police spokesperson. The fatal wound was a deep cut to the victim’s throat, according to preliminary medical reports.
The case is being handled by the local prosecutor’s office in Bell Ville, under the direction of prosecutor Laura Avezza. Both bodies have undergone autopsies to determine the exact cause and manner of death.
"This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder that femicide continues to be a pervasive issue in our society," said Avezza. "We are committed to pursuing justice for Silvina and her family."
The community of Monte Maíz is banding together in the wake of the tragedy, organizing vigils and memorials to honor Curbelo’s memory and raise awareness about violence against women.
"This is an incredibly difficult time for our town," said one local resident. "We all need to come together and support one another as we mourn Silvina’s loss and fight against this senseless violence."
