Key witness in Argentine 'Lechuga' murder trial found dead in Lomas del Mirador

Ariana Yael González, a 36‑year‑old key witness in the trial over the murder of businessman Fernando “Lechuga” Pérez Algaba, was discovered dead in her apartment on Brandsen 3500 in Lomas del Mirador, La Matanza. She was found hanging from a rope attached to a window; police and medical services confirmed she had no vital signs upon arrival.

The case is being investigated by fiscal Adrián Arribas, who has opened a file titled “averiguación de causales de muerte.” Authorities are examining all possibilities, including suicide, homicide or instigation, and have ordered forensic examinations. González had lived in the house where the original crime occurred and had been the partner of Maximiliano Pilepich, one of three men convicted to life imprisonment for the “Lechuga” murder after a popular jury verdict on 6 July. Her testimony was pivotal, describing Pilepich as a “manipulator, narcissist and a sick person.” The investigation into her death proceeds alongside the pending ordinary trial of other accused parties.