A Campana man has been sentenced too life in prison for the brutal murder of his neighbor,Alejandra Abbondanza,whose dismembered remains were discovered after a months-long inquiry. Agustín Chiminelli, along with his parents, faced trial for their alleged involvement in the 2022 femicide, with the sentencing concluding a harrowing case that exposed a climate of silence and indifference.
The verdict arrives as a landmark moment in Argentina‘s ongoing struggle against gender-based violence, underscoring the legal system’s commitment to holding perpetrators accountable – and those who enable them.Abbondanza’s sister delivered a powerful statement following the sentencing, emphasizing the complicity of silence and the urgent need for a society that actively protects and listens.The case has ignited national conversation about domestic abuse and the responsibility of communities to intervene.
“Today those people are being judged. They deny having known. They deny having listened. They deny having helped.But silence also kills. Indifference is also complicit,” Alejandra’s sister remarked, visibly moved during her testimony.
Chiminelli and his parents were accused of concealing evidence and obstructing the investigation following Abbondanza’s disappearance. Authorities discovered fragments of her remains burned in a fireplace at the family home.
The victim’s sister concluded her testimony with a plea for systemic change: “We cannot change what happened. But we can decide what society we want to be. One that protects. One that listens. One that does not allow horror to hide behind a closed door. Thank you for listening to me. May Alejandra’s name be justice.”