Murder of 21-Year-Old Architecture Student Shocks Argentina
Argentina is reeling in shock following the brutal murder of 21-year-old Catalina Gutiérrez, a student at the University of Architecture in Córdoba. The victim was found dead on Thursday inside her vehicle in the city of Córdoba.
The Investigation
Gutiérrez borrowed her mother’s car on Wednesday night to meet her friends at Patio Olmos, but never arrived. According to investigators, she stopped by the home of Nestor Soto in the Jardín neighborhood, where he convinced her to visit before meeting her friends. However, Soto had other plans. He killed Gutiérrez, beating and strangling her, before driving her body to a deserted street near a vacant lot, where he attempted to set it on fire.
Preliminary Autopsy Results
Preliminary autopsy results indicate that Gutiérrez’s death was caused by asphyxiation by strangulation. Investigators believe Soto acted alone and that the victim was not sexually abused.
The Confession
Soto, who initially claimed to be a friend of the victim, was arrested after his statement contradicted itself and he eventually confessed to the crime. He later claimed that Gutiérrez was "the love of his life."
Prosecution
Prosecutor José Mana has charged Soto with simple homicide and ordered his transfer to Penitentiary Establishment No. 9. However, the accusation is expected to be aggravated under suspicion of femicide, and the case will be transferred to a Domestic Violence prosecutor’s office.