Overview

• On August 9, Prosecutor Hugo Herrera formalized the ’codicia’ aggravation alongside existing double-qualifying homicide charges of alevosía and ensañamiento against José Chávez Espinoza.
• Prosecutors cite forensic evidence—including cell-phone data, tire-print and fingerprint analyses—that they say links the cardiologist to the sedating, killing and burning of his brother’s body.
• Investigators allege Chávez Espinoza manipulated his brother’s communications to secure garage payments, remove a Toyota SW4 and sell a Toyota Corolla for AR$3 million, all assets in the intestate inheritance.
• Chávez Espinoza denies every allegation and his lawyers, Juan José Saín and Andrés Lizárraga, have petitioned for house arrest on grounds of depression and suicide risk.
• The court is set to decide whether to elevate the case to trial now that the charges have been formally aggravated.