A popular jury in Chaco declared César Sena guilty as the author of Cecilia Strzyzowski's femicide, and his parents Emerenciano Sena and Marcela Acuña as primary participants. The unanimous verdict, issued after more than a day of isolated deliberation, also convicted collaborators of cover-up and acquitted one defendant. The sentence will be set in the coming days, with life imprisonment expected for the main culprits.
Cecilia Strzyzowski's femicide took place on June 2, 2023, in Resistencia, Chaco, at the Sena family home on Santa María de Oro 1460. According to prosecutors, César Sena killed his partner under the pretext of a trip to Ushuaia, in a premeditated crime aggravated by bond and gender violence. The body was wrapped in a blanket, transported, and incinerated on a rural property in Puerto Tirol, with collaborators' help.
The trial, case 22.632/2023-1, began on October 28, 2025, at the Gala Convention Center and continued at the Judicial Studies Center. It featured 52 witnesses, videos, expert analyses, and reconstructions. The prosecution, led by Juan Martín Bogado, Nelia Velázquez, and Jorge Cáceres Olivera, argued a family plan opposed to the couple's marriage. The claims represented the victim's mother, Gloria Romero, and the Gender and Diversity subsecretary.
The jury's deliberation started on Friday, November 14, at 1 p.m. and lasted until 7 p.m. without agreement. Judge Dolly Fernández isolated the 12 main jurors and 8 alternates in a hotel with no external communication, an unprecedented measure in Chaco. On Saturday, they resumed at 8 a.m. and confirmed the unanimous verdict at 2:22 p.m.
In the reading after 3 p.m., César Sena was declared guilty of doubly aggravated homicide. Emerenciano and Marcela Acuña, guilty as primary participants. Gustavo Obregón and Fabiana González, for aggravated cover-up; Gustavo Melgarejo, for simple cover-up, remaining released. Griselda Reinoso was acquitted and freed.
Plaza 25 de Mayo filled with protesters wearing pink scarves. Great-aunt Mercedes Valois said: “I can only say thank you.” Gloria Romero posted online: “Finally I can sleep.” Prosecutor Velázquez stated: “Today justice was done for Cecilia” and “it marks a before and after for Chaco's justice.” Prosecutor Bogado noted: “It's a satisfaction to do justice for a girl who suffered a lot.”
Patricia Bullrich celebrated: “Justice was done. They believed political protection would save them.” This is Chaco's 86th jury verdict. The sentencing hearing will set penalties in ten days.