Public Ministry determined that Víctor Hugo Quero Navas died due to pulmonary thromboembolism

Published at: 03/06/2026 11:23 AM

Through a statement, the Public Ministry (MP) released the results of the autopsy of the citizen Víctor Hugo Quero Navas, managed at the request of a National Prosecutor for the protection of human rights.

In this regard, it became known that “after the corresponding studies, a death date of approximately 10 months to 1 year was evidenced” and according to “histological, toxicological and other complementary studies, they made it possible to determine that the death was caused by pulmonary thromboembolism. There were no evidence of traumatic injuries to the body.”

Below is the full text of the statement:

The Public Ministry reports the results of the criminal investigation carried out, under the direction of a National Prosecutor for the protection of human rights, on the occasion of the death of citizen Víctor Hugo Quero Navas, who was deprived of his liberty in the Rodeo l Penitentiary Center.

On May 8, 2026, the body was exhumed and then autopsied by the forensic medical team attached to the Criminal Investigation Support Directorate of the Public Ministry, accompanied by the National Service of Forensic Medicine and Science (SENAMECF), the Office of the Ombudsman and close family members of Mr. Quero Navas, assisted by his trusted lawyer.

After the corresponding studies, an approximate death date of 10 months to 1 year was evidenced. The necropsy of the law, as well as histological, toxicological and other complementary tests, made it possible to determine that the death was caused by pulmonary thromboembolism. Traumatic injuries were not evidenced on the body. The development of part of these expertise was supported by private health facilities in the country.

For the identification and determination of the full identity of the corpse, the Venezuelan Institute for Scientific Research (IVIC), at the request of the Public Ministry and in accordance with international scientific and statistical parameters, carried out genetic expertise on a sample corresponding to remains of bone tissue (femur) from the corpse, as well as on a biological blood sample obtained from Mrs. Carmen Teresa Navas.

As a result of this expertise, a biological affiliation was obtained with an estimated statistical probability of 99.496%, confirming that the exhumed remains correspond to the biological son of the citizen Carmen Teresa Navas.

Additionally, within the framework of the criminal investigation, multiple elements of conviction were collected through technical inspections and photographic attachments to the places related to the act, interview records, planimetric survey, well-versed reconstruction of the facts, expertise in extracting content from film records, collection of medical records, and others.

All the investigative steps in this case were carried out, in accordance with the provisions of the Organic Code of Criminal Procedure and the principles governing the investigation of potentially unlawful deaths.

The Public Prosecutor's Office confirms that, within the framework of its constitutional and legal powers, it will continue to ensure respect and guarantee of human rights in prisons and other detention facilities in the country.

Caracas, June 2, 2026

Mazo News Team