Héctor Romero Arrested as Key Suspect in María Cash Disappearance Case

Héctor Romero Detained in María Cash Disappearance Case

Héctor Romero, a 71-year-old truck driver, has been arrested as the main suspect in the case of María Cash, who disappeared in July 2011. Romero was detained on Tuesday after gendarmes located him at his daughter’s house in the Pereyra Rozas neighborhood. Authorities observed that he appeared subdued during his arrest.

Initially, Romero thought he was receiving a judicial notification, as various witnesses had recently been called for questioning. As security officers read the arrest warrant, he remained silent and was taken to the Salta Federal Police headquarters without access to communication.

He will face the judge on Wednesday morning at 11:30 and is expected to be charged with “qualified homicide.”

Romero had contact with María Cash on July 8, 2011, the day she vanished. Security footage captured her getting into his truck. According to Romero, he dropped her off years ago at the roundabout near the Difunta Correa sanctuary, where her trail ended.

The judge issued the arrest following a report from General Prosecutor Eduardo Villalba. This report questioned Romero’s account of his meeting with Cash and presented evidence suggesting he is the primary suspect.

Background on María Cash’s Disappearance

María Cash, a designer, boarded a bus at the Retiro terminal on July 4, 2011, heading to San Salvador de Jujuy. She intended to start a new life and establish a workshop for her clothing designs. However, she never reached her destination.

Investigators confirmed that she was at the San Bernardo Hospital’s emergency room in the early hours of July 8, asking for assistance. She left before being treated.

Hours before her disappearance, Cash sent an email to her family, seeking contact information for a friend’s sister living in Salta. Shortly after, surveillance footage captured her walking with a red backpack along a road about six kilometers from Salta. This footage marked the last known sighting of Cash. Her location became unknown, and she has not been heard from since.