Esquel:-Western railway line escape

A court in Esquel, Chubut, charged a 71-year-old man, Miguel Edgardo Battista, with unlawfully confining his wife and children and with neglecting them. The judge granted ten days of preventive detention while the investigation continues.

How the complaint began

The case started with a complaint from a neighbor, who reported hearing nighttime shouts and seeing the windows permanently covered. She also said the children never left the house. The Esquel prosecutor's office became involved on October 10.

The Family Court first sent an Interdisciplinary Technical Team to the home. According to the account, Battista received the professionals but refused to let them enter or speak with his family. The report warned of an imminent risk and served as the basis for requesting an urgent search warrant.

Police officers, health professionals and forensic medical experts entered the property, located on a large lot. They found the wife, whose serious advanced illness required medical attention, and the three children, who were provided medical, psychiatric and psychological assistance.

Pending questions

• The prosecution is checking whether the children, aged 13, 17 and 19, were enrolled in schools in Esquel and whether they attended classes.
• Investigators are still trying to establish since when the family had been living in the city.
• The health status of each family member remains under review.

“If we apply logic, we can see that three young people could easily overcome the will of an elderly man.”Daniel Sandoval, attorney for Battista

Prosecutor Cecilia Bagnato and court official Mónica Caveri confirmed at a press conference that the investigation is still underway. The next procedural steps will be the collection of evidence and the clarification of the children's schooling situation and the health of the family members.