Overview

• Judicial authorities reopened the investigation on August 15, 2025, to reassess whether Santillán’s death in last year’s Castelar house fire was an accident, suicide or homicide.
• Peritos had previously concluded that the blaze started in the bathroom, ruled out electrical failure and attributed his death to a ‘‘syndrome asfíctico’’ with burns over roughly 90% of his body.
• The decision followed the discovery of a back door left ajar at the time of the fire and family claims that the presenter’s cellphone was manipulated after seizure by the Fiscalía.
• Family lawyer Juan Pablo Merlo said relatives are awaiting the device’s return and independent forensic analysis amid broader concerns over evidence chain of custody and the rapid release of the body.
• Prosecutors and forensic experts will review existing autopsy and fire-reconstruction findings alongside the new indicia to determine the next steps in the reopened cause.