WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen (both D-Md.) released the following joint statement Tuesday ahead of the Paraguayan trial in the murder of Marylander Alex Villamayor:

“More than two years have passed since Alex Villamayor, a U.S. citizen and Marylander, was murdered in Encarnación, Paraguay. Alex was just 16 years old. After much perseverance by his family and contributions from both countries’ governments, Alex’s case will finally be tried in court.  As we await the upcoming trial of two alleged perpetrators in Alex’s death, we remain engaged with and supportive of his family in their pursuit of justice.  We will continue to work with Paraguayan and U.S. authorities to ensure transparency throughout the trial and hope justice will soon be served.”

Background:

Cardin and Van Hollen released a statement in 2016 on the one-year anniversary of Alex’s death, calling for transparency and justice.