A woman has been jailed for 22 years for dousing her ex-boyfriend and his new lover in fuel and setting them alight, killing the woman and seriously injuring her former partner.
Yanina Diez, 27, carried out the attack in the city of Las Heras in the west-central Argentine province of Mendoza on 29th December 2020.
According to prosecutors, Diez waited for her ex-boyfriend Fernando Rojas, 25, and his new girlfriend Karen Montenegro, 22, at their bus stop at around 7pm.
When they turned up, she doused the two in flammable liquid and set them alight before fleeing the scene.
The victims were taken to the Lagomaggiore Hospital in Las Heras with serious burn injuries.
Rojas’ condition was never life-threatening despite his injuries, however Montenegro died in hospital three days later on 1st January 2021.
Diez was arrested the day after the attack after being identified by Rojas’ and Montenegro’s relatives, who claimed the suspect had been threatening them for a long time because she could not come to terms with her ex-partner’s new relationship.
According to the news site TN, Diez agreed to a 22-year prison sentence at the Homicide Prosecutor’s Office on Monday to avoid a possible life sentence in a trial by jury.
Prosecutors Fernando Guzzo and Claudia Rios reportedly changed the charge from aggravated homicide to homicide to allow for the plea bargain.
Several months ago, Diez reported Rojas for abusing her during their time together and the authorities investigated her claim, later finding evidence to support the allegation.
According to TN, Rojas has been charged with sexual assault and carnal abuse, although it is unclear when he is expected to stand trial.
