The facts of the case relate to the violation of guarantees in the criminal proceeding carried out against Mr. Valenzuela Ávila, who also suffered torture during his detention. In 2005, after escaping prison, he was extrajudicially executed.

In its sentence, the IA Court examined the violations to State due diligence with regards to the investigation of the facts, which affected the said sentence. It also ruled as to the infliction of torture for having remained on the “death row”, and not having received medical attention. Additionally, it applied standards on the death penalty in analyzing the sentencing of Mr. Valenzuela Ávila as a consequence of the application of “future dangerousness”.