Trial for the femicide of Catalina Gutiérrez

The trial for the femicide of Catalina Gutiérrez will begin on February 27 in Córdoba. Her family feels devastated as they await justice for the horrific crime.


Trial for the femicide of Catalina Gutiérrez

On February 27, the popular jury trial will begin in the Eleventh Criminal Chamber of Córdoba against a young man from Bariloche, accused of aggravated homicide due to treachery and violence, a crime that carries a life sentence according to the Penal Code. The accused, Néstor Soto, is charged with the death of Catalina Gutiérrez, a 21-year-old woman.

Catalina was last seen when she picked up Soto from his home on July 17, 2024, to attend a gathering with friends. Subsequently, her body was found beaten and strangled in Soto's residence. The assailant then transported the body in his Renault Clio, attempting to dispose of it in the Ampliación Kennedy neighborhood by setting it on fire, failing to eliminate the evidence because the vehicle did not catch fire completely.

Although he initially denied his involvement in the crime in front of Catalina's family, Soto eventually confessed to the femicide after being arrested. With the trial approaching, the victim's family lawyer, Carlos Hairabedián, described the emotional state of the relatives as devastating, mentioning that even the harshest penalty cannot alleviate their pain.

Hairabedián also highlighted that Catalina's parents will have to testify at the trial and that it will be their decision whether to attend the hearings. Regarding the accused, the lawyer expressed confidence that Néstor Soto will receive a life sentence, given the existence of aggravating factors such as femicide, cruelty, and premeditation by taking advantage of his friend’s vulnerability.