Renato Iván Tabella refuses to testify in double femicide case

Renato Iván Tabella, a 28-year-old man accused of two femicides, refused to testify during a judicial inquiry in Buenos Aires regarding the death of Tatiana Micaela Fernández. Fernández was found dead in an apartment in the Retiro neighborhood, with forensic experts determining the cause of death was mechanical asphyxia by compression.

Tabella is also the primary suspect in the murder of Daniela Villalba, which occurred last week in Córdoba. In that case, investigators found blood-stained clothing and items in a trash container, and identified the suspect through security footage and cell phone data. Prosecutors in Córdoba have reclassified Villalba's death as a femicide and are requesting Tabella's transfer from Buenos Aires to face charges there.

Evidence against Tabella includes security footage placing him at the scene of the Retiro crime and communications from his mobile phone. Authorities noted that in both instances, the victims—who were sex workers—had arranged meetings through dating or service applications, and the perpetrator stole their mobile phones before fleeing.