Córdoba: the reasons for Brenda Agüero's life sentence have been revealed

The Justice of Córdoba released the grounds for the verdict that sentenced Brenda Agüero to life imprisonment. The nurse was found guilty of five completed homicides and eight attempted homicides. The events took place between March and June 2022 at the Maternal Neonatal Hospital.

The ruling was issued by the 7th Nominating Criminal and Correctional Chamber of Córdoba. It was read before the accused and the victims' relatives, in a tense hearing. The decision was made by majority, with six out of ten members of the court considering her participation proven.

The judges and jurors indicated that there was no direct evidence, but that there was a "plurality of indications" that established her criminal responsibility. "This plurality of indications allows the destruction of the legal principle of innocence enjoyed by the accused," Cesano said. "It authorizes me to maintain, beyond any reasonable doubt, that the perpetrator of the 13 events was Brenda Cecilia Agüero," he added.

The elements that led to the conviction

The majority opinion was written by Judge José Daniel Cesano, accompanied by panel member Laura Huberman and four lay jurors. According to their statement, "there is no obstacle to reaching certainty based on indirect evidence." The ruling listed a series of key facts that were considered conclusive.

Among the main points, it was highlighted that Brenda Agüero was the only person present on the days when the thirteen episodes occurred. In addition, she had direct contact or the possibility of contact with all the affected newborns. She also anticipated decompensations before symptoms became evident, which aroused suspicion among colleagues.

In the area where she worked, supplies such as insulin and potassium were found, with no justification for their presence there. Psychological assessments detected narcissistic and omnipotent traits in her personality. The episodes ceased after her departure from the hospital, and she later attempted to move to another province upon learning that she was a suspect.

Other responsibilities and the Cardozo case

In addition to Agüero's conviction, the court evaluated the conduct of former provincial Health officials. By majority, Asís, Escudero Salama, Gómez Flores, Moralez, and Carvajal were found guilty. In contrast, the ruling unanimously acquitted Gauto, Ariza, Ringelheim, and Luján.

It was also decided by majority to acquit the former Córdoba Health Minister, Diego Cardozo. In his case, the lay jurors understood that he acted correctly after being informed on June 7, 2022. Likewise, the jury argued that he issued immediate directives such as intervening in the hospital, removing staff, and ordering a criminal complaint.

Presiding Judge Patricia Soria explained that the citizen jurors voted unanimously for his acquittal. In contrast, the court's technical judges considered that Cardozo should have been convicted. Nevertheless, the majority vote of the lay jury prevailed and resulted in his disassociation from the cover-up.