The case of the disappearance of Sofia Herrera It remains an open wound in Argentina’s memory, and in the hearts of his entire family. To understand the relevance of the event, both nationally and internationally, just look at the amount of content there is about its disappearance on social networks. Without going too far, just 2 months ago, the production company SPD Podcasting premiered an exclusive series dedicated to the disappearance of the girl.
The reality is that, since September 28, 2008, the Herreras have faced challenges of all kinds: economic, health and, mainly, legal obstacles in the desperate search for their daughter. In communication with NEWSElena Delgado, Sofía’s mother, detailed the difficulties they face and the persistent struggle to find her daughter, or, at least, understand what happened.
Changes in the cause.
Throughout these 15 years, the case of Sofía Herrera has experienced various significant changes throughout the investigation. The last one happened at the end of July, with the dismissal of the now former judge Daniel Césari Hernándezwho had been carrying out the case since 2017.
A source from the Fuegian Judiciary who prefers to remain anonymous, shared with NOTICIAS intriguing information about the resignation of Judge Césari Hernández. While, “his resignation for personal reasons was officially announced before the press,” the reality behind this decision is much more complex.
According to this high-level source in the Fuegian judicial framework, Judge Césari Hernández faced not only complaints related to the case of Sofía Herrera, but also “numerous accusations by his own collaborators” and, surprisingly, also by the Rio Grande Police. These accusations focused on his “inability to hold office” and his behavior, which was described as “violent and confrontational towards his environment.”
Faced with this situation, the Judicial Council took drastic measures and dismissed him, amid complaints of malfeasance and passive-aggressive violence towards those around him. This turn in the legal history of Tierra del Fuego has left open questions and added a new element of uncertainty in the case of Sofía Herrera’s disappearance.
About José Dagoberto Díaz Águila’s track, “Espanta la Virgen”which during 2020 and 2021, gained relevance in relation to the case of Sofía Herrera, It was also diluted due to the incompetence of Césari Hernández, who in 2022 declared that “Interpol is looking for him with code red. Finding it is out of our possibilities”.
These events coincide with the discontent expressed by Sofía’s mother regarding the lack of progress in the search for her daughter and mainly due to the judge’s refusal to order the DNA test of a girl adopted in San Juan, who is the same age and has great physical similarities with Sofía.
From this medium we tried to contact Judge María Rosa Santana, who temporarily occupied the Investigative Court 1 of Río Grande, which Césari Hernández left vacant, although there was no response either by telephone, by email or even by calling the Court itself. The off-the-record source had already clarified that “surely, being interim, she doesn’t want to risk saying anything.”
Economic and Health Difficulties.
Elena Delgado revealed that the Herrera family is dealing with serious financial and health problems. Fabián, Elena’s husband and Sofía’s father, had to undergo kidney ablation two years ago, which significantly affected his health and ability to generate income.. In addition, the necessary medical treatments are carried out in Buenos Aires, 2900 kilometers away from his home in Río Grande, which implies significant additional expenses.
Besides, The other daughter of the family, born shortly after Sofía’s disappearance and who is about to turn 15, suffers from Pulmonary Stenosis and needs a Valvuloplasty that is only performed at the Garrahan Hospital in Buenos Aires.. This situation also causes the family difficult economic challenges to cover the costs of travel and accommodation in Buenos Aires, which are not covered by the Obra Social.
Elena Delgado shared with NEWS that the family has never received help from the National, Provincial or Municipal State, with the exception of a single financial aid from “a politician”, whom he did not want to name, “who took 40 thousand pesos out of his pocket and gave them ‘as if it were a pity'”.
The word of Missing Children Argentina.
From NEWS We then communicate with Ana Llobetcurrent president of Missing Children Argentinawho explained the importance of disseminating cases like that of Sofía Herrera in the media, but at the same time explained that her organization “is dedicated only to the dissemination of images of missing children, acting as a link between parents and possible sources of information, and provides continuous support to affected families.”
The case of Sofía Herrera is one of the many cases of missing children in Argentina. Ana Llobet reported that “the organization has around 100 active cases and continues to work tirelessly to help families find the missing, even in cases older than Sofia’s.” As an example she mentioned the case of Maria Fernanda Aragunde, a girl who disappeared on February 1, 1995 when she was 3 years old. “She was never heard from again, but the organization continues to spread her image and maintain contact with the family,” adds Llobet.
Possible good news from Missing Children Argentina is that they are working together with the Spanish organization “SOS Missing” in a facial recognition project. The initiative seeks to use facial recognition technology, possibly in collaboration with Google, to help in the search for missing children.
Despite the years that have passed, the family and community of Río Grande, Tierra del Fuego, remain committed to the search for Sofía. Elena Delgado firmly believes that Sofía is alive and shudders as she says “surely, with how intelligent she was, she must be applying to some university.”
Despite everything that happened, and what is admirable about Elena Delgado, is that she concluded the interview with NEWS with a message of hope and determination. She stated that, regardless of how much time passes, they will continue looking for Sofía. They are convinced that she is alive and that they will find her, keeping the memory of her beloved daughter alive.
by Nicolás González.
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