The case of Loan Danilo Peña, a five-year-old boy who disappeared on June 13, 2024, in the Corrientes town of 9 de Julio, continues to stir emotions and judicial progress nearly six months later. What began as a family lunch has turned into a complex investigation filled with questions and allegations.

Investigation and Recent Arrests

Judge Cristina Pozzer Penzo of the Goya Federal Court has recently taken significant steps in the case. Additional forensic analysis has been ordered, and seven individuals have been processed with preventive detention. Among them are Loan’s aunt, Laudelina Peña, and his cousin, Macarena Peña, who have been identified as key figures in the investigation. José Peña, Loan’s father, publicly stated, “They know what happened to Loan that day.”
Photo: Search operations in rural areas.

Prosecutors’ Hypothesis

The prosecutors leading the investigation present a harrowing hypothesis: Loan is believed to have lost his life on June 13 in an orange grove near his grandmother Catalina Peña’s home. They suspect his body was removed from the area that same day, either deceased or critically injured.

Key Testimonies and Expectations

Juan Pablo Gallegos, the Peña family lawyer, emphasized that a key statement is expected to shed light on what happened. Gallegos has strongly criticized the early stages of the investigation, claiming they were marked by irregularities and cover-ups. “An effective, real, and concrete investigation was concealed,” he stated.

The Context: A Family Tragedy

Loan disappeared after attending a family lunch in El Algarrobal, a rural area in Corrientes. According to reports, the boy went out to collect oranges with other children and adults, at which point he vanished. Despite a massive search effort involving over 800 personnel and the activation of the Alerta Sofía system, no trace of Loan has been found.

Criticism and Distrust Toward Authorities

The case has led to widespread distrust in local institutions due to delays and alleged irregularities during the initial investigation. Possible links between local authorities and the suspects have been highlighted, sparking protests and a crisis of confidence in Argentina’s governmental institutions.

The Call for Justice

Loan Danilo Peña’s disappearance has deeply impacted Argentine society, leaving an open wound in his community and family. As the investigation progresses, the community demands clear answers and justice for a case that symbolizes systemic failures and the need for effective action.

Conclusion

The case of Loan Peña is not only a personal tragedy but also a reflection of the challenges in delivering justice and protecting children’s rights. Argentine society continues to wait for answers that can bring relief to a grieving family and ensure this story is never repeated.