Christian Augusto Jafet Gómez Villalpando, the doctor who confessed to the murder of 12-year-old Mateo, had his first court hearing on February 12 in León, Guanajuato. Prosecutors formally charged him with enforced disappearance, but he has yet to face an official homicide charge.
Legal Proceedings Begin Amid Defense Delays
The hearing took place at the Judicial Branch of Guanajuato, as the crime occurred in León. During the session, Gómez Villalpando’s legal team requested a three-hour recess to review their defense strategy, including a motion to dismiss the charges.
Additionally, the defense requested 144 extra hours to restructure their case. As a result, the next court hearing is scheduled for Monday, February 17, while the suspect remains detained at the León Social Rehabilitation Center (Cereso).
From Confession to Custody: Timeline of Events
Gómez Villalpando was hospitalized before his arrest due to self-inflicted injuries sustained after confessing to Mateo’s murder. On February 11, he was transferred from León General Hospital to prison.
The shocking crime has left the community in mourning and outrage, particularly because Mateo worked part-time at the doctor’s podiatry office after attending school.
Surveillance Footage Led to Discovery
Mateo was last seen on February 4, when he entered the suspect’s clinic but never came out. After he failed to return home, his parents launched a desperate search. Their investigation uncovered security footage showing Mateo entering the podiatry clinic, marking the last time he was seen alive. Authorities are expected to file additional charges, including homicide, in the coming days as investigations continue.
