The Temuco Guarantee Court has ordered pretrial detention for 24-year-old Emmanuel Ochoa, who is accused of the femicide of his niece, Francisca Millahual, in the Araucanía capital. The crime took place in the region on April 6.
Prosecutors allege that Ochoa is responsible for both the completed femicide and the illegal possession of a firearm. Following the hearing, the court established a six-month window for the completion of investigative proceedings.
Arrested after being recognized at religious service
The Investigative Police (PDI) successfully apprehended Ochoa on Sunday night. The suspect had been a fugitive since being named the primary suspect in the murder of the 20-year-old.
According to preliminary information from authorities, the defendant was attending an evangelical service when he was identified by other attendees. Those present at the religious ceremony immediately alerted the police to proceed with his arrest.
The victim, Francisca Millahual, was a veterinary student who was at her grandmother's home at the time of the attack. The young woman was performing chores around the property and caring for the household pets when the incident occurred.
The case came to light when the student's grandmother returned to the home. The woman discovered her granddaughter's body wrapped in sheets, with a gunshot wound to the face.
Investigations determined that Ochoa was the last person to see the young woman alive. Since the crime occurred in April, the suspect had been evading law enforcement.