Argentine court declares mistrial over death of soccer star Maradona
Maradona died at age 60 from cardiac arrest while recovering from surgery for a blood clot on the brain at a rented home outside Buenos Aires.
Although the case largely hinges on medical technicalities, the bi-weekly testimonies have also become tabloid fodder — like much in Maradona’s life, which included long spates of drug and alcohol abuse.
Experts have taken the stand to allege that Maradona agonised for 12 hours before his death while his sisters and daughters have tearfully accused his medics of leaving him alone in squalor when he should have been hospitalised.
The defendants, who deny all accusations, were charged with culpable homicide, a crime similar to involuntary manslaughter in that it implies the accused were aware of the risk caused by their reckless conduct and ignored it.
They include Leopoldo Luque, Maradona’s primary physician at the time of his death, as well as his psychologist, psychiatrist, medical coordinator and nurses.
The crime carries a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison. The defendants say Maradona was a difficult patient who did not allow himself to be treated.
Maradona, who famously led Argentina to victory in the 1986 World Cup, is regarded as one of the greatest soccer players of all time.
His rags-to-riches story resonated with his fellow Argentines and he is widely revered as a national hero.
