Córdoba increases reward to 24 million pesos for Cecilia Basaldúa case

The Government of Córdoba has increased the reward to 24 million pesos for information that helps clarify the 2020 femicide of Cecilia Basaldúa in Capilla del Monte. The decision, announced by the Ministry of Justice and Labor, marks the fourth increase in the reward amount over the last three years.

Basaldúa, a 35-year-old backpacker, was found dead near the Calabalumba stream in April 2020. While the investigation remains open without convictions, prosecutors are currently evaluating new leads. This includes information regarding a possible link to Renato Iván Tabella, a detainee accused of other femicides, who reportedly worked at the lodging where Basaldúa stayed.

Previously, the only accused individual, Lucas Bustos, was acquitted in 2022 due to a lack of evidence. Authorities continue to seek reliable and verifiable data to advance the case, which has seen recent efforts including a reconstruction of the crime scene in May 2026.