In the judicial headquarters of the city of Villa Dolores, the evidence gathering phase of the oral trial against former provincial official Oscar González has concluded. The process examines the criminal responsibilities arising from the traffic accident that occurred on October 29, 2022, on the Altas Cumbres road. During the judicial session, prosecutor Analía Gallaratto dismissed the request from the plaintiffs to escalate the charges to simple homicide with eventual intent.
The representative of the Public Prosecutor's Office decided to maintain the formal accusation under the legal figure of aggravated negligent homicide against the accused. The oral debate included the in-person testimony of Vera Szulewicz, daughter of Alejandra Bengoa, who died in the car crash. The witness recounted the severe family consequences following the incident and stated: “I dropped out of school to support Marina. I became isolated because my friends had already gone to study.”
Furthermore, the daughter of the deceased victim expressed to the judicial authorities that from the accused's environment, they only received offensive remarks. The hearing also included the statement of Julio Bañuelos via videoconference to detail the medical assistance efforts. The witness reconstructed the dialogues held with health professionals regarding the logistics of air transport and the operational delays of the medical helicopter.
Alexa Miranda, friend of Vera Szulewicz, paraplegic after the strong impact
Medical testimonies and schedule of closing arguments
In the chamber, testimony was given by Dr. Juan Uez, director of the Villa Dolores Hospital at the time of the crash, and the nurse of the young Alexa Miranda. The professionals explained the complexity of transfers from the Mina Clavero health center to the specialized hospitals in the provincial capital. Subsequently, rehabilitation specialist Diego Uberti presented on the assistance required by the young survivor who became paraplegic after the severe impact.
After the reception of testimonies and the incorporation of evidence material, Judge Santiago Camogli ordered a recess until the next phase of the process. The closing arguments from the parties will begin on September 8 with presentations from prosecutor Analía Gallaratto and the representatives of the plaintiffs. Meanwhile, the defense of Oscar González and the lawyers for the provincial government will present their final arguments during the scheduled session on September 28.
The reading of the final verdict by the court is projected for October upon the conclusion of all legal interventions. Thus, the judicial case regarding the crash on provincial route 34 enters the final stretch of resolution after hearing all witnesses. The relatives of the victims and the intervening parties await the setting of the exact date for the sentencing to close the plenary stage.
