Diego Maradona's life was woven with drama, yet who could have anticipated that even death would unfold with an intrigue that rivals the twists of some crime thriller? What seemed like a natural death, attributed to cardiac arrest, has now turned into a murder mystery, and is now a courtroom drama of extreme significance in his country. Seven medical professionals are facing charges of homicide due to alleged criminal negligence. Maradona passed away in November 2000, just a few weeks after undergoing brain surgery to remove a subdural hematoma. For a man with a history of heart issues, drug addiction, and alcohol abuse, death due to heart failure seemed obvious, but as circumstances surrounding his demise came to light, a possibility of something sinister opened up.

Diego Maradona's Death Trial Explained

A Hint of Suspicion

Early reports indicated that Maradona had been left unattended for an extended time. In a court hearing held in March 2025, a neighbour testified that Maradona had been deceased for a minimum of two hours before first responders reached the scene, directly challenging the timeline communicated by his medical team. This shocking revelation, alongside autopsy findings revealing that he died 'in agony,' painted a harrowing image of neglect and mismanagement, prompting prosecutors to intensify their investigation.

Who Are Accused in Maradona's Death Trial Case?

At the heart of the trial are seven individuals, all part of the medics team of Maradona in his last days. These defendants include neurosurgeon Leopoldo Luque, psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov, psychologist Carlos Díaz, home care coordinator Nancy Forlini, and nurses Gisella Madrid and Ricardo Almirón, along with medical coordinator Mariano Perroni. They were tasked with overseeing Maradona’s recovery, but prosecutors allege their actions—or inactions—amounted to "negligent homicide." The charges carry potential sentences of eight to 25 years in prison, reflecting the gravity of the accusations.

Luque, who served as Maradona’s personal physician, has emerged as a key figure in the investigation. Authorities conducted searches at his home and office, suspecting he had major responsibility for Maradona's care plan. Cosachov, his psychiatrist, is accused of prescribing a mix of psychotropic medications that could have worsened the late soccer star's heart issues.

Was It Really A Heart Attack?

An expert witness involved in Maradona's autopsy testified that the condition of his body indicated a prolonged and painful demise, contradicting initial claims of a sudden heart attack. Evidence of brain swelling and respiratory distress pointed to a gradual decline that may have been preventable with timely medical intervention. The first doctor to arrive at the scene confirmed that rigor mortis had already set in, suggesting Maradona had been deceased for an extended period before help was called.

Maradona's Family Wants Justice

Maradona’s family, particularly his children, have been vocal in their pursuit of accountability. His son, Diego Jr., has publicly endorsed the theory of a "diabolical conspiracy," insisting that his father was "killed" through negligence—if not outright intent. "We’re going to prove there was negligence," he declared in a statement reported on March 25, 2025, reflecting the family’s determination to see the trial through. Their grief has fueled public outrage, with fans worldwide watching the proceedings closely, demanding justice for their idol.

The defendants, however, have maintained that his death was an unfortunate but unavoidable outcome of his long-term health issues. The ongoing trial is set to end in mid-2025.