In February 2021, the quiet neighborhood of Guaymallén, Mendoza Province, Argentina, was shaken by the sudden and tragic death of Rolando Ángel Aquino. What initially seemed like an unfortunate case of poisoning soon unfolded into a horrifying tale of deceit and murder, exposing a twisted plot that claimed not one but two innocent lives. At the heart of it all was Karen Oviedo, Rolando’s wife, who meticulously planned a perfect crime — only to be betrayed by her own Google searches.
A Tragic Love Story
Karen Oviedo and Rolando Aquino appeared to be a loving couple. They lived together in a white house that also served as a neighborhood store. Social media was filled with photos that showcased their affection, as Karen often expressed her love for Rolando online. Despite their seemingly happy life, a dark secret lurked beneath the surface.
Their story took a grim turn when Rolando’s nine-year-old son, Elias, visited their home in July 2019. The child, who had always been healthy, suddenly fell ill and was rushed to the hospital. Despite the medical team’s efforts, Elias died on July 12, 2019, from multi-organ failure. While the cause of death remained unclear, Karen proposed cremating his body. However, Elias’s biological mother firmly refused, opting for a burial instead.
A Fatal Incident
On February 7, 2021, Rolando suddenly collapsed at home, vomiting profusely and falling unconscious. Karen called for emergency assistance, but when paramedics arrived, they found her disturbingly calm despite her husband’s critical condition. Rolando was rushed to the hospital, where he died two days later.
Doctors discovered that Rolando’s death resulted from severe poisoning caused by ethylene glycol — a toxic substance commonly found in antifreeze. The chemical crystallizes within the body, causing extensive damage to the liver, kidneys, and nervous system. Alarmed by the unusual cause of death, authorities launched a homicide investigation.
Suspicion Falls on Karen
Prosecutor Claudia Ríos led the inquiry, and suspicions quickly turned toward Karen. Investigators noted inconsistencies in her account and found it peculiar that she showed little concern during her husband’s medical emergency. Questioned about Rolando’s health, Karen vaguely blamed a medication, claiming she had discarded the bottle. The vague and evasive responses only deepened investigators’ doubts.
A crucial breakthrough came when Karen’s maid, Claudia Cortéz, testified that she had witnessed Karen mixing a suspicious substance into Rolando’s orange juice. The employee further revealed that Rolando resisted drinking it, but Karen insisted. This testimony, coupled with Karen’s indifferent demeanor, painted a disturbing picture of calculated malice.
The Digital Trail of Deception
When authorities examined Karen’s phone, they uncovered damning evidence: internet searches like “What is the deadliest substance,” “how to kill with a substance,” and “how to delete search history.” Additionally, records from the Mercado Libre app revealed that Karen had purchased antifreeze shortly before Rolando’s death. These digital footprints were crucial in linking her to the crime.
Revisiting a Child’s Tragic Death
Suspecting a pattern, investigators ordered an exhumation and autopsy of young Elias. Shockingly, the results mirrored those of his father, confirming ethylene glycol poisoning. With this revelation, the prosecution’s case against Karen strengthened as they charged her with both murders.
The Courtroom Drama
In November 2022, Karen Oviedo stood trial for the murders of Rolando and Elias. The prosecution, led by Ríos and Fernando Guzzo, argued that Karen had methodically poisoned both victims, mixing antifreeze into their drinks. In her defense, Karen alleged that Rolando had been abusive, claiming her actions were driven by fear and self-preservation. However, this narrative fell apart under scrutiny, especially when psychological evaluations described her as a self-centered, manipulative individual devoid of empathy.
The defense’s argument that Rolando might have purchased the antifreeze himself was swiftly countered by digital evidence of Karen’s online searches and purchases. Despite her insistence on innocence, the jury found her guilty of both simple homicide and aggravated homicide, sentencing her to life imprisonment.
A Chilling Conclusion
The tragic deaths of Rolando and Elias left a community in shock, not only because of the heinous nature of the crimes but also because of the chilling premeditation involved. What Karen Oviedo might have considered a perfect crime unraveled through the digital trail she left behind. The case stands as a stark reminder that no matter how cunning a plan may seem, the truth often finds a way to the surface.
Disclaimer
All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The information presented here is based on available reports and legal proceedings, and should not be considered a final judgment of guilt or innocence.