16/06/2026 15:03 - Actualidad
Sala de tribunal judicial con jueces en estrado, ambiente solemne de juicio oral, banderas argentinas, iluminación institucional, escritorios formales, ambiente de corte federal
On Tuesday, June 16, 2026, the oral and public trial began in the province of Corrientes for the abduction and concealment of Loan Danilo Peña, a 5-year-old boy who disappeared on June 13, 2024, in the rural settlement of Algarrobal, municipality of 9 de Julio, nearly 200 kilometers (124 miles) from the provincial capital.
Corrientes is a province located in northeastern Argentina, bordering Paraguay and Brazil. The region is known for its wetlands, rivers, and rural communities. 9 de Julio is a small municipality in the interior of the province, characterized by sparse population and limited infrastructure.
The Federal Oral Tribunal, composed of judges Fermín Ceroleni, Eduardo Belforte, and Simón Bracco, declared psychologist Federico Rossi Colombo in rebeldía (a legal term meaning "in rebellion" or "fugitive status") after he failed to appear at the first hearing and had no legal representation present. This legal status allows authorities to proceed with the trial in his absence and issue an arrest warrant.
These individuals face the most serious charges related to the alleged kidnapping and hiding of the child:
These 10 additional defendants face charges including cover-up, false testimony, impersonation of professional titles, and violation of professional secrecy. Among them:
Prosecutor Carlos Schaefer requested the detention of all defendants who arrived at trial free, fearing potential escapes. However, the Tribunal rejected this petition, allowing most to remain free during proceedings.
Rossi Colombo appeared near 3:00 PM after a recess, accompanied by a new lawyer and requesting a postponement. He argued he "had no money" to travel from Tucumán (a province in northwestern Argentina, approximately 1,000 km away) or to pay his previous defense. The Tribunal denied his request for a 72-hour extension to review the case file.
The prosecution team consists of Carlos Schaefer and Tamara Pourcel. A total of 186 witnesses have been summoned, and the trial is expected to last more than four months.
Loan Danilo Peña disappeared on June 13, 2024, at 1:52 PM in Algarrobal, Corrientes. The primary hypothesis indicates he was taken from the location and hidden in a Ford Ranger pickup truck belonging to Pérez and Caillava.
The trial is taking place at Escuadrón 48 de Gendarmería. The Argentine National Gendarmerie (Gendarmería Nacional Argentina) is a federal paramilitary police force responsible for border security and internal order in rural areas. The venue was chosen for security and capacity reasons.
Prosecutors maintain that Rossi Colombo committed perjury and manipulated vulnerable family members to influence their statements. The involvement of family members as accused has added complexity and emotional weight to a case that has generated massive public attention across Argentina.
| Metric | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Total Defendants | 17 | 7 for abduction, 10 for obstruction |
| Witnesses Called | 186 | Includes family, experts, and officials |
| Expected Duration | 4+ months | One of the longest trials in recent history |
| Disappearance Date | June 13, 2024 | At 1:52 PM local time |
| Trial Start | June 16, 2026 | Almost two years after disappearance |
The start of this trial represents a significant step forward in the Argentine justice system's commitment to resolving cases involving children. The thoroughness of the investigation and the large number of defendants demonstrate authorities' determination to uncover the truth. Families across Argentina and beyond continue to hope that this process will bring answers and, ultimately, justice for Loan.
Source: Clarín – One of Argentina's most widely circulated newspapers, established in 1945.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
