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Autopsy Points to Robbery Homicide in Killing of City Bell Psychiatrist

Prosecutors shifted the investigation after findings of a fatal neck wound and clear defensive injuries.

Overview

  • The autopsy concluded Virginia Franco died from massive blood loss caused by a deep cut to the neck, with cuts on her hands and forearms indicating she tried to defend herself.
  • Prosecutor Álvaro Garganta of UFI 11 is now treating the case as a homicide in the context of a robbery.
  • Police found forced entry and the home in disarray, and reported missing valuables including the victim’s cellphone, with investigators considering that multiple people may have entered.
  • A man who called 911 and was close to the victim was detained for identification, had his phone seized and is under review, with some reports noting he was later released.
  • Authorities are analyzing phone-tower data and public and private security cameras and continuing forensic work to reconstruct movements around the crime.