Facundo Astudillo Castro: Difference between revisions

| image = Facundo José Astudillo Castro.jpg

| disappeared_status = Found dead on August 15, August 2020 after 107 days missing

| death_date = {{Death15 yearAugust and age|2020|1997}} (aged 22)

He wasThe [[hitchhikingUnited Nations|UN]] fromCommittee on Enforced Disappearances ([[PedroOffice Luroof (townthe inUnited Argentina)|PedroNations LuroHigh Commissioner for Human Rights|OHCHR]]) todemanded the [[BahíaGovernment Blancaof Argentina|Argentine government]], whento inbe theexpedite townand entrancethorough ofin [[Mayorthe Buratovich]]investigation, wasas stoppedwell inas ato [[Securitytake checkpoint|policeany checkpoint]]possible ofhypothesis circulationin permitsconsideration.<ref name=":06">{{Cite news|last=BermúdezMeyer|first=GabrielAdriana|date=1011 July 2020|title=CustodiadoLa por unONU policía yreclamó al ladoEstado deuna un"estrategia patrullero:integral" lapara últimahallar foto dea Facundo Astudillo Castro|language=es-AR|trans-title=InThe policeUN custodyasked andthe nextState tofor a patrol:"comprehensive thestrategy" lastto photo offind Facundo Astudillo Castro|work=[[ClarínPágina (Argentine newspaper)|Clarín12]]|location=Buenos Aires|url=https://www.clarinpagina12.com.ar/policiales/custodiado277965-policiala-ladoonu-patrulleroreclamo-ultimaal-fotoestado-facundouna-astudilloestrategia-castro_0_YNxIzUoMT.htmlintegral-para-hallar|access-date=12 August 2020}}</ref><ref name=":17">{{Cite news|date=3011 July 2020|title=ALa tresONU mesesle depidió laal desapariciónEstado deargentino Facundo"inmediatez Astudilloy Castro,exhaustividad" continúaen la investigación parapor hallarla aldesaparición jovende Facundo Castro|language=es-AR|trans-title=ThreeThe monthsUN sinceasked the FacundoArgentine AstudilloState Castroto disappearance,be the"expedite investigationand tothorough" findin himthe continuesFacundo Castro disappearance investigation|work=[[Infobae]]|location=Buenos Aires|url=https://www.infobae.com/sociedad/policiales/2020/07/3011/ala-tresonu-mesesle-depidio-laal-desaparicionestado-deargentino-facundoinmediatez-astudilloy-castroexhaustividad-continuaen-la-investigacion-parapor-hallarla-aldesaparicion-jovende-facundo-castro/|access-date=12 August 2020}}</ref> The [[Inter-American Commission on Human Rights]] also issued a precautionary measure.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news|last=Meyer|first=Adriana|date=103 August 2020|title=FacundoCIDH Castro:emite losmedidas diálogoscautelares policialespara queFacundo abrieronJosé lasAstudillo sospechasCastro, desaparecido en Argentina|language=es-AR|trans-title=FacundoIACHR Castro:issues theprecautionary policemeasures tapesfor thatFacundo sparkedJosé suspictionsAstudillo Castro, disappeared in Argentina|work=[[PáginaOrganization 12of American States]]|location=BuenosWashington, AiresD.C.|url=httpshttp://www.pagina12oas.com.arorg/284089-facundo-castro-los-dialogos-policiales-que-abrieron-las-sospes/cidh/prensa/comunicados/2020/188.asp|access-date=12 August 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite Hisweb|date=1 lastAugust known2020|title=RESOLUCIÓN [[image]],43/2020 taken- theMedidas daycautelares ofNo. disappearance,691-20 depicts- himFacundo beingJosé heldAstudillo byCastro therespecto policede forArgentina|trans-title=RESOLUTION violating43/2020 the- lockdown,Precautionary withmeasures hisNo. hands691-20 against- theFacundo [[PoliceJosé transportAstudillo Castro regarding Argentina|policeurl=http://www.oas.org/es/cidh/decisiones/pdf/2020/43-20MC691-20-AR.pdf|access-date=12 vehicle]]August number2020|work=[[Organization ROof 23360.<refAmerican nameStates]]|location=":0"Washington, D.C.|language=es-AR}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite news|last=Meyer|first=Adriana|date=233 JulyAugust 2020|title=CómoLa sigueCIDH lareclamó investigaciónmedidas porpara laproteger desaparición dea Facundo Astudillo Castro de un "daño irreparable a sus derechos"|language=es-AR|trans-title=WhatThe isIACHR nextdemanded inmeasures theto protect Facundo Astudillo Castro disappearancefrom investigation"irreparable damage to his rights"|work=[[PáginaLa 12Nación]]|location=Buenos Aires|url=https://www.pagina12lanacion.com.ar/280405-como-sigue-seguridad/la-investigacioncidh-porreclamo-lamedidas-desaparicionproteger-defacundo-facundoastudillo-cnid2411605|access-date=12 August 2020}}</ref><ref name="The [[Alberto Fernández|President of Argentina]], during a radio interview, stated:4 "We need to know what happened to Facundo. I want us to find him and, if someone was responsible for an illicit act, they will have to face the consequences".<ref>{{Cite news|date=1011 JulyAugust 2020|title=LaAlberto últimaFernández, fotosobre la desaparición de Facundo Astudillo Castro: esposado"Necesitamos por lasaber policíaqué bonaerensepasó|language=es-AR|trans-title=TheAlberto lastFernández, photoon the disappearance of Facundo Astudillo Castro: handcuffed"We byneed theto Buenos Airesknow Provincewhat policehappened|work=[[ÁmbitoLa Voz del FinancieroInterior]]|location=Buenos AiresCórdoba|url=https://www.ambitolavoz.com.ar/informacion-generalpolitica/facundoalberto-astudillofernandez-castro/lasobre-ultimadesaparicion-fotode-esposadofacundo-laastudillo-policiacastro-bonaerensenecesitamos-saber-que-n5116273paso|access-date=12 August 2020}}</ref>

On 30 April 2020, Facundo Astudillo Castro left his house in Pedro Luro to Bahía Blanca (both cities located in the [[Buenos Aires Province]]) to visit his ex-girlfriend, trying to get back together. At this time the country was under a [[COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in Argentina|strict lockdown]] during the [[COVID-19 pandemic in Argentina|COVID-19 pandemic]], which required eligible persons to travelhave a permit to do sotravel, and punished those who violated the regulation. He did not have this permit, and traveled [[hitchhiking]].<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /><ref name=":9">{{Cite web|last=Centenera|first=Mar|date=14 July 2020|title=La Justicia argentina investiga a la policía por la desaparición de un joven de 22 años|trans-title=Argentine justice investigates police for the disappearance of a 22 years old young man|url=https://elpais.com/sociedad/2020-07-14/la-justicia-argentina-investiga-a-la-policia-por-la-desaparicion-de-un-joven-de-22-anos.html|access-date=12 August 2020|website=[[El País]]|location=Madrid|language=es}}</ref><ref name=":53">{{Cite news|date=27 July 2020|title=Desaparición de Facundo Astudillo Castro: el presidente Alberto Fernández habló con la madre del joven|language=es-AR|trans-title=Disappearance of Facundo Astudillo Castro: President Alberto Fernández spoke with the young man's mother|work=[[La Nación]]|location=Buenos Aires|url=https://www.lanacion.com.ar/seguridad/desaparicion-facundo-astudillo-castro-presidente-alberto-fernandez-nid2405626|access-date=12 August 2020}}</ref>

He was later stopped at another police check for permits in the town entrance of Teniente Origone.<ref name=":15">{{Cite news|last=Palavecino|first=Darío|date=4 August 2020|title=Allanan la seccional de Teniente Origone y encuentran un objeto que pertenecería a Facundo Astudillo Castro|language=es-AR|trans-title=Raid in the Teniente Origone police precinct: an object that could belong to Facundo Astudillo Castro is found|work=[[La Nación]]|location=Buenos Aires|url=https://www.lanacion.com.ar/seguridad/allanan-sede-policial-teniente-origone-encuentran-objeto-nid2411574|access-date=12 August 2020}}</ref> Three witnesses claim to have seen FacundoAstudillo Castro around 3:30&nbsp;p.m. in that area when two province policemen, in a [[Toyota Hilux]] pickup truck with its rear door open, supposedly stopped him and told him to get on. However, the prosecutor does not consider this enough grounds to establish that Facundo was kidnapped by the police, citing among other reasons than an officer (Alberto González) claims to have intercepted the disappeared young man around 26 kilometres further on [[National Route 3 (Argentina)|Route 3]] than what the location mentioned by the witnesses, and he took a picture of his driver's license (photo which is on record in the case file).<ref name=":21" /> This officer claims to have questioned FacundoAstudillo Castro, who told him he was en route to Bahía Blanca and did not hadhave the circulation permit required. After becoming aware of this, the officer stated he radioed the [[Médanos, Buenos Aires|Médanos]] police station about what to do, and he was told to let the young man go. In his statement, the police officer said that the young man kept on in a light grey [[Renault Duster Oroch]].<ref name=":25" />

On the 5th of5 July, a formal missing persons [[Complaint|report]] was enteredfiled, which was assigned to Rodolfo De Lucía, head of the 20th [[Unidad funcional de instrucción|UFI]] in Bahía Blanca.<ref name=":8">{{Cite news|last=Di Lodovico|first=Cecilia|date=7 August 2020|title=La desaparición, una búsqueda tardía y cruces políticos: los 100 días sin Facundo Astudillo Castro|language=es-AR|trans-title=The disappearance, a late search and political crosses: the 100 days without Facundo Astudillo Castro|work=[[Todo Noticias]]|location=Buenos Aires|url=https://tn.com.ar/policiales/la-desaparicion-una-busqueda-tardia-y-cruces-politicos-los-100-dias-sin-facundo-astudillo-castro_1102890|access-date=12 August 2020}}</ref><ref name=":18">{{Cite news|date=8 August 2020|title=La mamá de Facundo Astudillo Castro se quejó de la búsqueda: "No quieren encontrarte"|language=es-AR|trans-title=Facundo Astudillo Castro's mother complained about the search: "They don't want to find you"|work=[[Todo Noticias]]|location=Buenos Aires|url=https://tn.com.ar/policiales/la-mama-de-facundo-astudillo-castro-se-quejo-de-la-busqueda-no-quieren-encontrarte_1103073|access-date=12 August 2020}}</ref> The family of the disappeared criticized police action, pointing out how hard they made it to file the report, and the fact that the police took note of one of FacundoAstudillo Castro's friends testimonial on a [[Delicatessen|deli]] piece of paper.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":24">{{Cite news|title=Aparicio: "Hay que investigar la hipótesis de encubrimiento"|language=es-AR|trans-title=Aparicio: “The"The cover-up hypothesis needs to be investigated”investigated"|work=[[Radio Provincia]]|url=https://provinciaradio.com.ar/index.php/2020/07/27/aparicio-si-nosotros-advertimos-irregularidades-y-berni-no-o-no-las-vio-o-esta-encubriendo/|access-date=12 August 2020}}</ref><ref name=":53"/><ref name=":55">{{Cite news|date=27 July 2020|title=Las fuerzas federales continuarán con los rastrillajes en busca de Facundo Astudillo|language=es-AR|trans-title=Federal forces will continue the search for Facundo Astudillo|work=[[Infobae]]|location=Buenos Aires|url=https://www.infobae.com/sociedad/policiales/2020/07/27/las-fuerzas-federales-continuran-con-los-rastrillajes-en-busca-de-facundo-astudillo/|access-date=12 August 2020}}</ref>

On 17 June 17, Cristina Castro (his mother of Facundo) reached out to Mayor Buratovich to witness a police operation, but five [[Police truck|trucks]] offrom the Buenos Aires police blocked her.<ref name=":22">{{Cite news|date=25 July 2020|title=nueve policías diseñaron plan de encubrimiento|language=es-AR|trans-title=nine policemen designed a cover-up plan|work=[[Crónica (newspaper)|Crónica]]|location=Buenos Aires|url=https://www.cronica.com.ar/edicionimpresa/nueve-policias-disenaron-plan-de-encubrimiento-20200725-0081.html|access-date=12 August 2020}}</ref><ref name=":23">{{Cite news|title=LAS FUERZAS FEDERALES CONTINUARÁN CON LOS RASTRILLAJES DE FACUNDO|language=es-AR|trans-title=Federal forces continue with the search of Facundo|work=Primero Bahía|location=Bahía Blanca|url=https://primerobahia.com/2020/07/27/las-fuerzas-federales-continuaran-con-los-rastrillajes-de-facundo/|access-date=12 August 2020|archive-date=13 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200913033159/https://primerobahia.com/2020/07/27/las-fuerzas-federales-continuaran-con-los-rastrillajes-de-facundo/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=":55"/>

On June 25 June, the Federal System for the Search of Lost and Missing Persons became aware of the case and reported it to police and government agencies across the country through the systems of the federal [[Ministry of Security (Argentina)|Ministry of Security]].<ref name=":32">{{Cite news|last=Meyer|first=Adriana|date=14 July 2020|title=Amplían la búsqueda de Facundo con fuerzas federales|language=es-AR|trans-title=The search for Facundo is broadened with federal forces|work=[[Página 12]]|location=Buenos Aires|url=https://www.pagina12.com.ar/278287-amplian-la-busqueda-de-facundo-con-fuerzas-federales|access-date=12 August 2020}}</ref>

On the 8th of8 July, the Person Search division of the Federal Police joined the search. Resources were also requested from other federal forces.<ref name=":32" /> This same day, the police watch log book of Mayor Buratovich was seized, as well as several policemen's mobile phones.<ref name=":32" />

Also on July 8 July, federal judge Gabriel Marrón took on the case, with the investigation being taken by prosecutor Santiago Ulpiano Martínez.<ref name=":8" /><ref>{{Cite news|date=6 August 2020|title=Búsqueda de Facundo Astudillo Castro: analizarán restos óseos y objetos hallados en un desagüe al costado de la Ruta 3|language=es-AR|trans-title=Search for Facundo Astudillo Castro: bone remains and objects found in a drain on the side of Route 3 will be analyzed|work=[[Infobae]]|location=Buenos Aires|url=https://www.infobae.com/sociedad/policiales/2020/08/06/busqueda-de-facundo-astudillo-castro-analizaran-restos-oseos-y-objetos-hallados-en-un-desague-al-costado-de-la-ruta-3/|access-date=12 August 2020}}</ref> The Buenos Aires provincial police was removed from the investigation as it was under suspicions, and [[Adolfo Pérez Esquivel]] and [[Roberto Cipriano García]] (members of the Provincial Commission on Memory) were accepted as [[plaintiff]]s.<ref name=":8" />

On July 11 July, and by request of the Provincial Commission on Memory, ana UN committee demanded the Argentinian [[Sovereign state|State]] conduct an "expedite and throughthorough" investigation.<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":7" /> The government of that time informed the UN of their absolute commitment to the investigation.<ref name=":02">{{Cite news|date=24 July 2020|title=El Gobierno le respondió al reclamo de la ONU por la desaparición de Facundo Astudillo Castro|language=es-AR|trans-title=Government replied to the UN claim about the Facundo Astudillo Castro disappearance|work=[[Clarín (Argentine newspaper)|Clarín]]|url=https://www.clarin.com/politica/gobierno-respondio-reclamo-onu-desaparicion-facundo-astudillo-castro_0_X1PhMFfhj.html|access-date=12 August 2020}}</ref>

On July 12 July, during a Buenos Aires police procedure looking for human remains in a Mayor Buratovich [[Landfill]], the family attorney was threatened by a police [[deputy commissioner]].<ref name=":322">{{Cite news|last=Meyer|first=Adriana|date=12 July 2020|title=Amenazan al abogado de la familia del desaparecido Facundo Castro|language=es-AR|trans-title=The family attorney of the disappeared Facundo Castro is threatened|work=[[Página 12]]|location=Buenos Aires|url=https://www.pagina12.com.ar/278097-amenazan-al-abogado-de-la-familia-del-desaparecido-facundo-c|access-date=12 August 2020}}</ref> Then, at the prosecutor's request, the provincial police left the scene to the federal police. No human remains were found that day.<ref name=":322" /> The deputy commissioner was discharged by order of Internal Affairs.<ref>{{Cite news|date=13 July 2020|title=Relevaron a un subcomisario acusado de amenazar al abogado de la familia de Facundo Astudillo Castro|language=es-AR|trans-title=A deputy commissioner was relieved accused of threatening the Facundo Astudillo Castro family attorney|work=[[Todo Noticias]]|location=Buenos Aires|url=https://tn.com.ar/policiales/relevaron-un-subcomisario-acusado-de-amenazar-al-abogado-de-la-familia-de-facundo-astudillo-castro_1093284|access-date=12 August 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=13 July 2020|title=La desaparición de Facundo: relevaron a un subcomisario por presuntas amenazas y comienza un rastrillaje por la Ruta 3|language=es-AR|trans-title=Facundo disappearance: a deputy commissioner was relieved from charge because of alleged threats and a search begins on the 3 Route|work=[[Infobae]]|location=Buenos Aires|url=https://www.infobae.com/sociedad/policiales/2020/07/13/74-dias-despues-de-la-desaparicion-de-facundo-astudillo-castro-crecen-las-dudas-y-comienza-un-fuerte-rastrillaje-por-la-ruta-3-para-dar-con-el-paradero-del-joven/|access-date=12 August 2020}}</ref>

Between the 14 and 15 of July, 200 members of the Federal Police, the [[Argentine Naval Prefecture|Naval Prefecture]] and the [[Argentine National Gendarmerie|National Gendarmerie]] conducted cross country and air searchsearches between Pedro Luro and Bahía Blanca, in an area near to the National Route 3.<ref name=":9" /><ref name=":32" /><ref>{{Cite news|date=16 July 2020|title=Sigue la búsqueda de Facundo Astudillo Castro: tercer día de rastrillajes con drones y helicópteros|language=es-AR|trans-title=The search for Facundo Astudillo Castro continues: third day of searches with drones and helicopters|work=[[La Nación]]|location=Buenos Aires|url=https://www.lanacion.com.ar/seguridad/donde-esta-facundo-drones-helicopteros-sigue-rastrillaje-nid2398511|access-date=12 August 2020}}</ref>

On 15 July, a [[Forensic science|forensic examination]] was conducted on police vehicles, in search of physical and biological traces, including blood and other DNA samples.<ref name=":10">{{Cite news|last=Segui|first=Sergio|date=20 July 2020|title=Caso Facundo Castro: se hicieron peritajes en vehículos, teléfonos y el libro de la comisaría».|language=es-AR|trans-title=Facundo Castro case: forensic examinations were made on vehicles, telephones and the police station's book|work=De la Bahía|location=Bahía Blanca|url=https://www.delabahia.com.ar/caso-facundo-castro-se-hicieron-peritajes-en-vehiculos-telefonos-y-el-libro-de-la-comisaria/|access-date=12 August 2020}}</ref><ref name=":11">{{Cite news|date=20 July 2020|title=Desaparición de Facundo Castro Astudillo: continúan los rastrillajes|language=es-AR|trans-title=Disappearance of Facundo Castro Astudillo: the searches continue|work=[[Diario Río Negro]]|location=General Roca|url=https://www.rionegro.com.ar/desaparicion-de-facundo-castro-astudillo-continuan-los-rastrillajes-1436271/|access-date=12 August 2020}}</ref> Forensics on the policemen mobile phones using [[Universal Forensic Extraction Device]] (UFED) technology were requested, as well as an analysis on the Mayor Buratovich police station logbook, looking for any kind of manipulation to hide the detention of Facundo Astudillo Castro in that station.<ref name=":10" /><ref name=":11" /> Stains compatible with [[blood residue]] were found on the [[Trunk (car)|trunk]] of a police officer's personal vehicle and, on police [[pickup truck]] number 22788, stains on the [[glove compartment]], back seat and rear cargo box, as well as minor stains on the steering wheel.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Palavecino|first=Darío|date=17 July 2020|title=Caso Facundo Astudillo: hallan manchas compatibles con sangre en patrulleros y el auto de una policía|language=es-AR|trans-title=Facundo Astudillo case: blood compatible stains are found in police patrol and a policemen's personal vehicle|work=[[La Nación]]|location=Buenos Aires|url=https://www.lanacion.com.ar/seguridad/caso-facundo-astudillo-hallan-restos-sangre-patrulleros-nid2399083|access-date=12 August 2020}}</ref><ref name=":16">{{Cite news|last=Bermúdez|first=Gabriel|date=17 July 2020|title=Detectan una conexión del celular de Facundo Astudillo Castro y encuentran sangre en uno de los patrulleros|language=es-AR|trans-title=A connection from Facundo's cellphone is detected, and blood is found in a police vehicle|work=[[Clarín (Argentine newspaper)|Clarín]]|location=Buenos Aires|url=https://www.clarin.com/policiales/detectan-conexion-celular-facundo-astudillo-castro-encuentran-sangre-patrulleros_0_4a49Goyt7y.html|access-date=12 August 2020}}</ref><ref name=":17">{{Cite news|date=17 July 2020|title=Hallan rastros de sangre y señales del teléfono de Facundo Astudillo Castro en móviles de la policía|language=es-AR|trans-title=Blood residue and cellphone signals from Facundo's phone found in police vehicles|work=[[La Prensa (Buenos Aires)]]|location=Buenos Aires|url=http://www.laprensa.com.ar/491297-Hallan-rastros-de-sangre-y-senales-del-telefono-deFacundo-Astudillo-Castro-en-moviles-de-la-policia.note.aspx|access-date=12 August 2020}}</ref>

On 17 July, FacundoAstudillo Castro's mobile provider informed that around 19 hours on March the 30th30, [[Ping (networking utility)|pings]] from the [[Facebook]] app were sent by the disappeared's phone. This was registered by two sites, one located in the National Route 3, and the other in the [[Bahía Blanca petrochemical pole]].<ref name=":16" /><ref name=":17" /> On 21 July, the disappeared's mother made a substitution request on the federal prosecutor, Santiago Ulpiano Martínez, citing wrongdoings in the June 19th search, such as contacting the Buenos Aires province police (which was at the moment already taken off the investigation) and data leaks published on Facebook.<ref name=":13" /><ref name=":14" /><ref name=":323">{{Cite news|last=Meyer|first=Adriana|date=22 July 2020|title=Facundo Castro: la familia recusó al fiscal federal Ulpiano Martínez|language=es-AR|trans-title=Facundo Castro: the family made a substitution request on federal prosecutor Ulpiano Martínez|work=[[Página 12]]|location=Buenos Aires|url=https://www.pagina12.com.ar/279926-facundo-castro-la-familia-recuso-al-fiscal-federal-ulpiano-m|access-date=12 August 2020}}</ref>

Between the 25 and 27 of July, a new search was made, comprising the area between the entrance to the [[Villarino Partido|Villarino partido]] (department) and the Aguará train station. It also covered a part of National Route 3, and involved the use of canine units, Federal Police drones, and tactical divers from the National Prefecture.<ref name=":324">{{Cite news|date=27 July 2020|title=Facundo Astudillo: las fuerzas federales continúan con tareas de rastrillaje|language=es-AR|trans-title=Facundo Astudillo: federal forces continue the search|work=[[El Litoral]]|location=Buenos Aires|url=https://www.ellitoral.com/index.php/id_um/251189-facundo-astudillo-las-fuerzas-federales-continuan-con-tareas-de-rastrillaje-desaparecido-desde-el-30-de-abril-sucesos.html|access-date=12 August 2020}}</ref><ref name=":325">{{Cite news|date=27 July 2020|title=Nuevo rastrillaje para dar con el paradero de Facundo|language=es-AR|trans-title=New search to find Facundo's whereabouts|work=[[Crónica (newspaper)|Crónica]]|location=Buenos Aires|url=https://www.cronica.com.ar/policiales/Nuevo-rastrillaje-para-dar-con-el-paradero-de-Facundo-20200725-0111.html|access-date=12 August 2020}}</ref>

On July 29 July, federal judge María Gabriela Marrón denied the request for prosecutor substitution, on the ground of considering it procedurally incorrect.<ref>{{Cite web|date=29 July 2020|title=File FBB 8604/2020/1|url=https://www.fiscales.gob.ar/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/CAUSA-ASTUDILLO-CASTRO-RECHAZA-RECUSACI%C3%93N.pdf|website=[[Judiciary of Argentina]]|language=es-AR|access-date=13 August 2020|archive-date=14 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201114033120/https://www.fiscales.gob.ar/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/CAUSA-ASTUDILLO-CASTRO-RECHAZA-RECUSACI%C3%93N.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>

On 31 July, a new search using canine units was performed in the Teniente Origone precinct, where in an abandoned cellblock an object that could belong to FacundoAstudillo Castro was found. His mother claims it was gifted to him by his grandmother.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Video of Search in the Teniente Origone precinct|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u86mhCh3OBM|website=[[La Nueva Provincia]]}}</ref><ref name=":3232">{{Cite news|last=Meyer|first=Adriana|date=4 August 2020|title=Encontraron un objeto igual a uno de Facundo Castro en la comisaría de Origone|language=es-AR|trans-title=An object just like one of Facundo Castro was found in the Origone precinct|work=[[Página 12]]|location=Buenos Aires|url=https://www.pagina12.com.ar/282615-encontraron-un-objeto-igual-a-uno-de-facundo-castro-en-la-co|access-date=12 August 2020}}</ref><ref name=":20">{{Cite news|date=3 August 2020|title=La desaparición de Facundo: serán peritados los elementos secuestrados en el puesto policial de Teniente Origone|language=es-AR|trans-title=Disappearance of Facundo: elements seized in the Teniente Origone precinct will be analyzed|work=[[Ministerio Público (Argentina)|Attorneys general of Argentina]]|location=Buenos Aires|url=https://www.fiscales.gob.ar/violencia-institucional/la-desaparicion-de-facundo-seran-peritados-los-elementos-secuestrados-en-el-puesto-policial-de-teniente-origone/|access-date=12 August 2020}}</ref><ref name=":3233">{{Cite news|last=Grimaldi|first=Ignacio|date=5 August 2020|title=El hallazgo de un objeto de Facundo Astudillo Castro, clave para esclarecer su desaparición|language=es-AR|trans-title=The finding of an object belonging to Facundo Astudillo Castro, key to clarifying his disappearance|work=[[CNN en Español]]|url=https://cnnespanol.cnn.com/video/hallazgo-objeto-facundo-astudillo-castro-clave-desaparicion-perspectivas-pkg-ignacio-grimaldi-perspectivas-buenos-aires/|access-date=12 August 2020}}</ref><ref name=":15" />

On 7 August the 7th, and by request of the disappeared's family, new searches using canine units were performed in Mayor Buratovich, around the 780-kilometre mark of National Route 3. Burnt bone remains were found, which at the moment of the search could not be determined to belong to any person in particular.<ref>{{Cite news|date=7 August 2020|title=Astudillo Castro: serán peritados huesos hallados durante un intenso rastrillaje|language=es-AR|trans-title=Astudillo Castro: bones found during a harsh search will be analyzed|work=[[La Nación]]|location=Buenos Aires|url=https://www.lanacion.com.ar/seguridad/astudillo-castro-seran-peritados-huesos-hallados-durante-nid2415217|access-date=12 August 2020}}</ref><ref name=":12" /><ref name=":3252">{{Cite news|date=8 August 2020|title=Madre de Facundo pide que amplíen rastrillaje en la zona donde encontraron huesos|language=es-AR|trans-title=Facundo's mother ask for the search to be broadened in the area where the bone remains were found|work=[[Crónica (newspaper)|Crónica]]|location=Buenos Aires|url=https://www.cronica.com.ar/policiales/Madre-de-Facundo-pide-que-amplien-rastrillaje-en-la-zona-donde-encontraron-huesos-20200808-0035.html|access-date=12 August 2020}}</ref> The young man's family belongsbelieves he was taken into a police patrol vehicle in the whereabouts of this finding.<ref name=":12" />

On August 8 August, it was revealed that the girlfriend and the brother of the disappeared had been threatened by the Buenos Aires provincial policemen in search of a confession, as well asand that an illegal raid had been carried out at the family's home.<ref name=":19">{{Cite news|date=8 August 2020|title=Astudillo Castro: reconocen que la exnovia del joven fue amenazada por policías|language=es-AR|trans-title=Astudillo Castro: they recognize that the young man's ex-girlfriend was threatened by police|work=[[La Nación]]|location=Buenos Aires|url=https://www.lanacion.com.ar/seguridad/astudillo-castro-reconocen-exnovia-del-joven-fue-nid2415974|access-date=12 August 2020}}</ref> The prosecutor said that these actions, despite being qualified as a felony, actually exposed the will of the police to find the young man, more than being indicative of a cover-up.<ref name=":19" />

The prosecutor's office bought a new SIM from [[Claro (company)|Claro]] with the disappeared young man's number, to be analyzed by the Federal Police.<ref name=":20" /> With this SIM card, the police entered to FacundoAstudillo Castro's [[WhatsApp]] account from a fresh cellphone.<ref>{{Cite news|date=6 August 2020|title=Caso Facundo: pudieron entrar en su WhatsApp y analizan los últimos contactos|language=es-AR|trans-title=Facundo case: they were able to enter his WhatsApp and analyze the last contacts|work=[[La Nueva Provincia]]|location=Bahía Blanca|url=https://www.lanueva.com/nota/2020-8-6-14-49-0-caso-facundo-pudieron-entrar-en-su-whatsapp-y-analizan-los-ultimos-contactos|access-date=12 August 2020}}</ref>

Since the disappearance, four Buenos Aires provincial policemen are suspected, due to changes and contradictions in their statements. The two main suspects are Mario Gabriel Sosa and Jana Jennifer Curuhinca who arrested FacundoAstudillo Castro, took photos of him and his identity card during his arrest.<ref name="pagina12.com.ar">{{Cite web|url=https://www.pagina12.com.ar/290471-quien-es-quien-entre-los-policias-del-caso-facundo-castro|title = Quién es quién entre los policías del caso Facundo Castro &#124; Falso testimonio, amenazas y pacto de silencio| date=7 September 2020 }}</ref> Sosa and Curuhinca appeared to be worried following Castro's disappearancesdisappearance in WhatsappWhatsApp message exchanges. The agents deleted the application WhatsappWhatsApp soon after Facundo's disappearance.<ref name="pagina12.com.ar"/> The court did not foundfind this extraordinary as it was claimed that "we all delete applications".

A police car had been circulating close to the location where FacundoAstudillo Castro's body was discovered, evidence that was obtained thanks to the police's geolocation system.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.infobae.com/sociedad/policiales/2020/08/26/caso-facundo-un-patrullero-estuvo-en-la-zona-en-la-que-aparecio-el-cuerpo-el-mismo-dia-que-una-policia-sospechada-borro-el-whatsapp-de-su-celular/|title=Caso Facundo: Un patrullero estuvo en la zona en la que apareció el cuerpo el mismo día que una policía sospechada borró el WhatsApp de su celular|date=26 August 2020 }}</ref> This raises suspicions that police agents might have been involved in Facundo's death.

There are also allegations that some of the suspects tried to influence investigations. Sergeant Siomara Flores appears to have participated in the investigation of Facundo's death despite the fact that she is the half-sister of agent Curuhinca.<ref>Siomara Flores</ref> Agent Sosa was also identified by a member of Facundo's ex-girlfriend's family as being part of a police party that interrogated him, asked him to claim that Facundo was involved with drugs. The same person testified that both agent Sosa and agent Curuhinca were present in the interrogation and appeared very anxious,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.laizquierdadiario.com/Excunado-de-Facundo-Castro-El-policia-Sosa-es-el-mismo-que-me-apreto-para-que-mienta|title = Excuñado de Facundo: "El policía Sosa es el mismo que quiso allanar ilegalmente mi casa"}}</ref> while the house of Facundo's ex-girlfriend was also investigatedsearched by a police party without prior authorization. The police party appears to have illegally visited Facundo's ex-girlfriend home and put pressure on her to falsely testify that Facundo had "problems with drugs".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pagina12.com.ar/289293-la-cronologia-del-caso-facundo-castro|title=La cronología del caso Facundo Castro &#124; Desde su desaparición a la identificación de los restos|date=2 September 2020 }}</ref>

Despite the family requests on their arrest, the prosecutors office considers (as of August 13 August) that there is not enough evidence to jail the policemen.<ref>{{Cite news|date=7 August 2020|title=Caso Facundo Astudillo Castro: según el fiscal, hasta ahora no hay indicios suficientes para incriminar a los policías por la desaparición del joven|language=es-AR|trans-title=Facundo Astudillo Castro case: according to the prosecutor, so far there is not enough evidence incriminating the police for the young man's disappearance|work=[[Infobae]]|location=Buenos Aires|url=https://www.infobae.com/sociedad/policiales/2020/08/08/caso-facundo-astudillo-castro-segun-el-fiscal-hasta-ahora-no-hay-indicios-suficientes-para-incriminar-a-los-policias-por-la-desaparicion-del-joven/|access-date=12 August 2020}}</ref><ref name=":25" />

* [[List of solved missing person cases: post-2000|List of solved missing person cases]]

*[https://www.argentina.gob.ar/persona-buscada/astudillo-castro Official missing persons website] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919065208/https://www.argentina.gob.ar/persona-buscada/astudillo-castro |date=19 September 2020 }} (in Spanish)

[[Category:ForcedDeaths disappearancesby in Argentinadrowning]]