Overview
- Police made the first arrest in the case, detaining a man in barrio Colón after intelligence work near the General Urquiza area where the remains were discarded.
- Prosecutor Eugenia Pérez Moreno is taking statements while forensic teams analyze DNA samples and items collected from the suspect’s residence.
- Security Minister Juan Pablo Quinteros said authorities have not established whether the detainee acted alone, leaving the possibility of additional arrests open.
- The detainee was initially charged with simple homicide, according to lawyers for the family and the victim’s ex-partner, in a classification described as provisional.
- Merlo’s remains were identified in November through a distinctive leg tattoo after body parts were found in black garbage bags in barrio General Urquiza.