Juan Ruiz Orrico appeal hearing set for Paraná court

The Criminal Chamber of the Superior Tribunal of Justice (STJ) will hold an extraordinary hearing next Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. in Paraná to address an appeal filed by the defense of Juan Ruiz Orrico. Ruiz Orrico, a former provincial official, was previously sentenced to five years and eight months of effective imprisonment for aggravated involuntary manslaughter.

The conviction stems from a June 20, 2024, traffic accident on Provincial Route 39, where Ruiz Orrico, driving an official vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, crossed into the opposite lane and collided head-on with another vehicle. The crash resulted in the deaths of four workers: Brian Izaguirre, Lucas Izaguirre, Leonardo Almada, and Axel Rossi, who were traveling to a poultry plant.

Defense attorneys Leopoldo Lambruschini and Félix Pérez are seeking a reduction of the sentence. The hearing will include arguments from the defense, the Public Prosecutor's Office, and representatives of the victims' families. The tribunal will consist of judges Claudia Mizawak, Miguel Ángel Giorgio, and Daniel Carubia. The proceedings will be broadcast live via the Judiciary's Information and Communication Service YouTube channel.