Virginia Mercado, who was one of the last people to see Paulina Lebbos alive before her murder in 2006, has admitted to having lied during the 2018 trial regarding the circumstances surrounding the case. After reaching a plea agreement with the Public Prosecutor's Office, she now faces a reduced sentence of three years for her role in covering up the crime. This development comes shortly before a new trial is set to begin for Lebbos' ex-partner, Víctor César Soto, and an accomplice, Sergio Kaleñuk, linking them to the murder that stunned the province of Tucumán.

The admission by Mercado raises significant questions about the integrity of the previous trial and the involvement of key figures in the case. As a close friend of Lebbos, her initial testimony was critical to the investigation, and her subsequent confession not only puts her future at risk but also rekindles public interest in the unresolved issues surrounding the murder. The judge, Patricio Prado, now holds the responsibility to determine whether Mercado's actions merit further punishment or if the plea deal will be upheld.

This case, which dates back to 2006, continues to resonate in Argentina, reflecting broader social issues regarding gender-based violence and the accountability of public officials. The relationship between Mercado and alleged perpetrators, including notable political connections, adds layers of complexity to an already troubling narrative, underscoring the challenges faced by victims' families in seeking justice in a system perceived as fraught with corruption and impunity.