Two more missing men have been identified as victims of alleged Jujuy serial killer Matías Jurado, taking the confirmed toll to four.
Guillermo Beller, the prosecutor leading the case, confirmed that recent DNA tests matched remains belonging to Miguel Ángel Quispe, 60, who went missing in June, and Juan José Ponce, 51, who was last seen in April.
“Today we can confirm that the DNA comparison tested positive in the cases of Miguel Ángel Quispe and Juan Ponce, known as ‘Pequeño Juan,’” Beller said. “Four victims have already been identified based on the genetic profiles found at the accused’s address.”
Jurado, aged 37, has been in custody for five months on charges of aggravated murder. He was initially charged with the death of pensioner Jorge Anachuri, 67, who disappeared on July 25.
Investigators later linked him to the disappearance of 25-year-old Sergio Alejandro Sosa.
Both men’s remains were discovered in the suspect’s home.
The latest findings indicate a broader pattern of killings. Authorities are now analysing whether additional remains recovered at Jurado’s property include the DNA of Juan Carlos González, 60, who has been missing since June.
From the outset, prosecutors suspected that the disappearances of several men in San Salvador de Jujuy shared common elements. Beller described it as one of the most remarkable criminal cases ever seen in the province.
“From the very beginning, we understood that there was a common pattern behind these disappearances,” he said. “Today, with four DNA tests confirmed, we have solid evidence that lead us to indict Jurado for aggravated murder.”
Investigators have conducted an extensive probe since Jurado’s arrest in late July. According to the prosecution, more than 100 witnesses have been interviewed, over 100 security cameras analysed, and some 200 biological samples processed by the forensic genetics laboratory of the Public Prosecutor’s Office.
The Argentine Forensic Anthropology Team (EAAF), an organisation with international recognition, arrived in Jujuy in August to assist with the searches. Their work has focused on excavations and evidence recovery at the suspect’s home, where human remains and other biological samples have been uncovered.
Experts are also seeking to establish whether further victims may be identified.
The victims identified so far are all men, aged between 25 and 67, who went missing within a few months of one another.
Anachuri was last seen alive on July 25, Sosa disappeared on July 4 in the Coronel Arias neighbourhood, Quispe was last seen in June, and Ponce in April.
With two more names now confirmed, prosecutors are preparing to expand their indictment against Jurado.
– TIMES/NA
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