Emanuel Ochoa Navia, 24, is facing charges for the femicide of his niece, Francisca Millahual Arriagada, in Temuco, following a statement to the PDI (Investigative Police) that contradicts physical evidence found on the victim's body.
During an interrogation lasting over an hour at the Homicide Brigade, Ochoa claimed that the veterinary student committed suicide using a .22 caliber revolver that he had allegedly lent to her.
The accused stated that after a night of drinking and music, the young woman began playing with the weapon and shot herself in the neck. According to his testimony, he attempted to take the gun away from her but was unsuccessful.
Evidence to the Contrary
However, the prosecution has presented evidence that refutes the suspect's version of events. Prosecutor Patricio Montecinos confirmed that Millahual's body showed various bruises and injuries that are inconsistent with an act of suicide.
The Public Ministry maintains that a violent argument broke out between the two, which ultimately resulted in the murder. Furthermore, the judicial file contains testimonies alleging that Ochoa had sexually abused his niece during her childhood.
Ochoa's movements following the crime also show inconsistencies. The detainee claimed that after the shooting, he fled the house on a bicycle, threw the weapon into a river, and wandered through various towns, including Lanco and Panguipulli, without a fixed destination.
The accused arrived at a church to turn himself in voluntarily after spending several days sleeping on the streets and in an abandoned bus. It was during a religious service that he was recognized by members of the congregation and handed over to the Carabineros (police).
Meanwhile, the victim's family has stated that the relationship between the two was not as the defendant described. The young woman's mother contradicted the claim of a harmonious living situation, providing new details regarding Ochoa's behavior.