Overview
- Witnesses again recounted that Felipe Pettinato said he caused the blaze by lighting a cigarette as flames consumed his apartment.
- A City Police medical examiner testified that Melchor Rodrigo had about 36% of his body carbonized and no defensive injuries, indicating unconsciousness.
- A partially burned aerosol can was found near the body, yet a chemical expert said residues detected at the scene were not consistent with common household sprays.
- A clinical forensic doctor reported the presence of methylphenidate, zolpidem and clomipramine in the victim’s system, a combination that could have reduced his capacity to react.
- Pettinato attended virtually from his lawyer’s office, declined to view graphic photos and has not testified, facing 8 to 20 years if convicted of estrago doloso seguido de muerte.