Overview

• The Cámara Criminal, Correccional y de Acusación de 2ª Nominación de Río Cuarto ordered the total dismissal of Roberto Marcos Barzola by prescription.
• The panel cited Article 62(2) of Argentina’s Penal Code, finding the 15-year time limit expired and that no suspension or interruption applied.
• Judges rejected arguments that the inability of Marcelo and Facundo Macarrón to act as private accusers could pause the clock, stating prosecutors faced no insurmountable legal obstacle.
• The court declined to deem the homicide imprescriptible, ruling it cannot be equated with crimes against humanity or grave human-rights violations.
• Barzola had been charged after DNA linked him to traces on the victim—reportedly confirmed in late 2024—and he had worked at the house in 2006, but the victim’s family now says it will appeal.