Investigation Launched
The Coquimbo Regional Prosecutor’s Office confirmed on Thursday that a criminal investigation has been opened following the discovery of biological remains, believed to be a human fetus, at a wastewater treatment plant located on Salvador Allende Avenue in Illapel.
The discovery took place on the morning of Tuesday, May 26. According to Matilde Gaete Valenzuela, an attorney with the Flagrancy Prosecutor's Office, the case was registered as a "found body" investigation after receiving a report from the Illapel Fourth Police Precinct (Carabineros).
Attorney Gaete detailed the circumstances of the incident: "It was reported that while the cleaning supervisor was working with a rake, he noticed the presence of this fetus." Given the gravity of the report, the Prosecutor’s Office immediately ordered the Criminal Investigation Brigade (Bicrim) of the Investigative Police (PDI) of Illapel to take charge of the case and conduct the necessary inquiries.
Forensic Analysis Underway
As part of the investigative protocol, the PDI is currently gathering evidence by reviewing security camera footage from the area and interviewing potential witnesses. The goal of these efforts, according to the Prosecutor's Office, is to identify the person or persons responsible for abandoning the remains at the plant.
Simultaneously, the Legal Medical Service (SML) has been instructed to perform a comprehensive autopsy on the remains. Authorities consider this forensic examination essential to scientifically confirm whether the remains are indeed human and to determine the biological circumstances of the discovery. The Coquimbo Regional Prosecutor’s Office continues to actively investigate the case to clarify the events that took place in the Choapa province.
