The only person accused of the crime is Britos, who in 1976 was in charge of the Chilecito Gendarmerie Squadron.
More than 60 people worked to resolve the case, testifying about state terrorism, persecution due to hatred of the faith, the systemic attack on the pastoral work of then-Bishop Enrique Angelelli, false imprisonment, torture, and sexual abuse of those detained in the Social Rehabilitation Institute, which was run by the gendarmerie headed by Britos.
Pedernera’s family recalled his social and religious commitment at the time of his murder. In addition to the layman, during those weeks in 1976 the priests Carlos de Dios Murias and Gabriel Longueville — as well as Bishop Angelelli — were also murdered. All three have been beatified.
In the first hearing of the trial, the defendant heard the accusations during a virtual session and at the next one, also virtual, he refused to testify. His absence in the remaining sessions of the court was justified for health reasons.
Before an overflowing hearing room, the court presided by judges José Camilo Quiroga Uriburu, Mario Eduardo Martínez, and José Fabián Asís determined that the acts attributed to Britos were crimes against humanity and therefore did not fall under the statute of limitations.
The judges convicted Britos of the crimes of false imprisonment, illegal searches, torture, aggravated torment, and sexual abuse and sentenced him to life imprisonment and disqualification from holding office.