Corrientes Trial Over Missing Child Loan Peña Continues Amid Prison Assault Claims

The Federal Oral Court in Corrientes is holding a series of hearings on the disappearance of 13‑year‑old Loan Danilo Peña, who vanished on 13 June 2024 in the town of 9 de Julio. Ten people are on trial, among them Nicolás “El Americano” Soria.

During his appearance, Soria reported a violent altercation at the Federal Penitentiary Unit 7 in Resistencia, saying an inmate threatened him with a knife and left a small cut on his nose. His lawyer filed a habeas corpus petition over the incident and asked for protection.

Prosecutor Carlos Schaefer was criticised by defence lawyer Martín Leiro, who accused him of a “double discourse” and of attempting to smear the defence.

Key forensic testimony was given by odorology chief Mario Rolando Rosillo and police handler Guillermo Gustavo Romero, who explained the scent‑track analysis performed on vehicles linked to the case.

Additional witnesses included former missing‑persons search coordinator Leticia Risco, neighbour Santiago Molina and employer Ángel Duarte, all providing details on the early hours after the child’s disappearance.