The Fourth Preparatory Investigation Court in Cusco ordered nine-month pre-trial detention for Gabriel Alexis Condori Olmedo and Oscar Franco Tinco, both aged 21, who are under investigation for allegedly killing and dismembering an adult.
Judge Jose Caceres upheld the request filed by Prosecutor Tamara Catacora Jara, of the First Provincial Criminal Prosecutor's Office in Cusco, in connection with the alleged crime of aggravated homicide against Rudhy Benavides Charalla, 46, a well-known worker in the tourism sector.
After lengthy hearings held between Saturday and Sunday, the court ordered the alleged perpetrators—who are also being prosecuted for aggravated theft and marijuana possession—to be held at Qenccoro Prison in the southeastern city.
According to preliminary investigations, Rudhy Benavides Charalla was reported missing on April 18 of this year after leaving his home to go to work in the Historic Center of Cusco.
The victim was reportedly persuaded by Franco Tinco to go out drinking beer at several bars and later consume cañazo (sugarcane-based spirit) inside a residence located at lot J-6B in the Manantiales de Inca association, central Cusco.
There, he was allegedly robbed of his cellphone and then attacked with a bladed weapon and a fork to the neck.
He died in the early hours of April 19; that day, the victim reportedly shouted his name—"I am Rudhy Benavides"—without anyone hearing him except the suspects.
During the proceedings, it was revealed that his death was even recorded in two videos—one in which he was apparently in agony, and another in which his blood was being licked by a dog.
It was further established that, in the following days, they allegedly attempted to dispose of the body by dismembering the limbs, boiling them in pots, and feeding them to approximately seven dogs owned by Condori Olmedo.
As if that were not enough, the suspects allegedly cut off portions of muscle and engaged in an act of cannibalism, reportedly "stir-frying" the flesh to eat it due to hunger after several days of heavy drinking, drug use, and hangovers.
Rudhy Benavides Charalla's cellphone was sold for S/110 (about US$31) at a stall in El Molino Shopping Center. The money was used to buy more beer and cheap sugarcane-based liquor to continue drinking, as well as green bags to store the victim's dismembered remains.
Franco Tinco later fled, stating that he was going to take a shower.
On the morning of April 25, police agents and relatives entered the rustic adobe house after asking Condori Olmedo whether Benavides Charalla was inside. The young man replied without hesitation or remorse that he was "in parts."
He was subsequently detained and narrowly escaped being attacked by Benavides Charalla's relatives who were gathered outside.
On a second level of the dwelling, witnesses reported that two pots were boiling—one containing the victim's head and the other his skin, along with bloodstained clothing.
Elsewhere, near a bed, the torso was found along with two buckets containing the victim's internal organs.
The day after the grim discovery, Franco Tinco was captured at Vinocanchon Market while in possession of marijuana.
During the second day of the hearing, Judge Jose Caceres Pizarro stated that the crime was committed with extreme cruelty, treachery, and a complete lack of sensitivity.
After reviewing the legal requirements for pre-trial detention, he ruled that the suspects must be held in a men's prison while the investigation continues to determine the true motive.
It is worth noting that the victim's identity, although confirmed by the detainees, was ultimately established through medical and scientific examinations. Finally, the potential custodial sentence was estimated at no less than 15 years.
Rudhy Benavides Charalla was a well-liked figure across various social and community groups in this city.
A large crowd of members, relatives, and acquaintances gathered to lay him to rest at La Almudena Cemetery.
(END) PHS/MAO/MVB
Published: 5/4/2026