Maradona security guard to testify in homicide trial

Julio César Soria, a member of Diego Armando Maradona’s personal security team, has been summoned to give testimony on Tuesday in the criminal trial concerning the former football star’s death. Soria was on duty during Maradona’s home confinement in the gated San Andrés neighborhood of Tigre, Buenos Aires Province, after the legendary player was released from Clínica Olivos following surgery for a subdural hematoma. Prosecutors expect him to describe Maradona’s physical state, mood, the medical care he received, and any alcohol consumption in the days before the 25 November 2020 death, as well as his interactions with neuro‑surgeon Leopoldo Luque and other medical staff.

The trial also includes testimonies from other security personnel such as Julio César Coria, and from nurses, doctors, a psychiatrist and a psychologist who have been charged with simple homicide with eventual intent, carrying potential sentences of eight to twenty‑five years. The proceedings aim to determine whether failures in medical assistance contributed to Maradona’s demise.