Overview
- Alberto Lebbos resumed testimony on Tuesday, alleging attempts to buy his silence, recounting that he took César Soto to police in 2006, and criticizing what he described as an organized cover-up tied to provincial power figures.
- On the opening day, César Soto and Sergio Kaleñuk both declared their innocence and declined to answer questions; Kaleñuk said he does not know Soto and noted he was twice granted dismissals in earlier stages.
- The current trial charges Soto with killing Paulina Lebbos by asphyxia at his home, while Kaleñuk is accused of participating in the subsequent concealment.
- Prosecutors highlight telephone records showing numerous calls on the day of the disappearance among Soto, Kaleñuk and former deputy police chief Nicolás Barrera, previously convicted for cover-up in the case.
- Separately, Paulina’s friend Virginia Nazarena Mercado admitted years of false statements, but a judge rejected her plea deal, sending her to oral trial for alleged false testimony and aggravated cover-up.