Lawyer Arrested For Trying to Reveal Name of Witness in College Student Case
The arrest occurred after the lawyer tried to reveal the identity of a protected witness in the case of the murder of dentistry student María Fernanda Alemán.
The MP warned that he will not tolerate any attempt to reveal the identity of protected witnesses. – Photo: Design Your Note
The Public Prosecutor’s Office (MP) ordered the arrest of attorney Guillermo Carlos Maradiaga Peña, defender of Oscar Armando Ramirez Melgar, accused of the murder of young university student Maria Fernanda Aleman.
The arrest came after the lawyer tried to reveal the identity of a protected witness during an early evidentiary hearing.
Attempted intimidation and obstruction of justice
According to investigations, attorney Maradiaga Peña allegedly carried out intimidating acts with the clear intention of exposing the protected witness, creating an environment of pressure to affect his testimony.
These actions constitute a crime of intimidation of witnesses and other participants in the criminal process, and the corresponding prosecution request will be made.
The case of Maria Fernanda Aleman
María Fernanda Alemán, 26, was a dentistry student and mother of a five-year-old boy.
The young woman attended the Olympic Metropolitan Stadium on February 8 to watch the match between Olimpia and Inter Miami, led by Argentine Lionel Messi.
He then went to a nearby bar with a companion, where he met Óscar Armando Ramírez Melgar, who allegedly later took his life.
Read here: New requirements admitted for person involved in the case of María Fernanda Alemán
Progress of the judicial process against the accused
On February 15, a judge issued an order for formal indictment with preventive detention against Ramírez Melgar.
The initial hearing was held in the Criminal Court of the Judicial Section of San Pedro Sula, where the Public Prosecutor’s Office presented documentary, expert and testimonial evidence, including:
- Forensic Medicine Opinion.
- Ballistic expertise.
- Analysis of security camera videos.
The recordings showed how the vehicle in which the victim was traveling tried to ram the accused and his group of friends, at which point Ramírez Melgar pulled out a firearm and shot at the car, causing the death of the young woman on February 9.
The defendant’s defense attempted to discredit the prosecution’s argument, alleging that he had been arrested and presenting witnesses to request the dismissal of his client, but the judge rejected the request and ordered his preventive detention.
Legal consequences
The crime of homicide, according to article 192 of the Honduran Penal Code, carries a sentence of between 15 and 20 years in prison.
With the arrest of attorney Maradiaga Peña, the MP reaffirms its commitment to guarantee transparency and due process in this case, ensuring that no attempt to obstruct justice will go unpunished.
