Esteban Rojas Almada, a 46-year-old moneylender born in Paraguay, appeared before the Oral and Correctional Court number 17 to ask for forgiveness for the femicide of Ferni Ayala, whom he claims he did not kill in the neighborhood of Villa Zabaleta on February 19, 2023. During his statement, Almada asserted that the shot that ended the young woman's life was the result of a struggle between them. He expressed: "I saw her lying down, I wanted to revive her but she was gone in an instant."
Almada continued his testimony stating that he does not consider himself a murderer and that he does not know what happened to the weapon used in the crime. He recounted that he cleaned the blood out of fear of the reaction of others. Later, he narrated that after the incident he went to his mother's house, who dissuaded him from committing suicide by reminding him of his daughter. He then visited a friend in the province of Buenos Aires, who advised him to flee to Paraguay.
The accused described his relationship with the victim as normal, although that night she was very violent. Upon returning to the house in Zavaleta, the dispute occurred that triggered the tragic outcome. According to the accusation, Almada hit Ayala, attempted to suffocate her, and when he failed, shot her twice with a 9mm pistol.
After several months on the run, Almada was arrested in Paraguay thanks to an investigation by the Justice. During the trial, the victim's family reported receiving threats. If found guilty, Almada will face a life sentence.
Ferni Ayala was murdered while enjoying a night of dancing with her partner and friends. Almada claimed that he has already been unjustly imprisoned and fears returning. The Prosecutor's Office's arguments are expected to be presented on November 13. The trial against Almada, which started on October 23, accuses him of "aggravated homicide due to the relationship and involving gender-based violence" and "illegal possession of a war weapon."
