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Victim’s Family Seeks 15-Year Sentence for Felipe Pettinato in Belgrano Fire Death Trial

The request relies on fire forensics indicating an intentionally ignited blaze accelerated with an aerosol.

Overview

  • In the fourth hearing, attorney Alejandro Drago asked Tribunal Oral No. 14 to impose 15 years in prison for the charge of estrago doloso seguido de muerte.
  • City fire experts concluded the ignition came from a lighter or match boosted by an aerosol and rejected Pettinato’s account that a cigarette butt started the fire.
  • Investigators reported finding partially burned matches and an empty aerosol can at the scene, evidence the plaintiffs argue supports an intentional start in the living room.
  • The plaintiffs said Pettinato did not render aid or call 911 after the blaze and cited a prior conviction for abuse of a minor as an aggravating factor.
  • The court set closing arguments for the prosecutor on March 30 and the defense on April 6, when a verdict is expected, as the virtual trial proceeds with Pettinato declining to testify.