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Autopsy Finds Villa El Salvador Teen Was Strangled, Case Recast as Suspected Feminicide

Police are holding a former partner of a relative pending review of digital messages.

Overview

  • The official necropsy issued Oct. 24 determined the 16-year-old died from asphyxia by strangulation with cervical constriction caused by another person, overturning the initial electrocution hypothesis.
  • Police detained José Gregorio Plazas on a preliminary basis after the finding, identifying him as a resident of the same building and a Venezuelan national linked to the family through a prior relationship.
  • The family’s lawyer cites WhatsApp messages and witness statements placing Plazas at the apartment during the critical window, and media report he acknowledged being at the location.
  • Relatives reported burns on the victim’s hand and face and a phone damaged by fire at the scene, and they say the detainee also showed burns when arrested, a point investigators are assessing.
  • Authorities have reoriented the inquiry as a presumed feminicide, prosecutors are reviewing potential preventive detention, and the investigation continues without formal charges announced.