As Villarán’s co-defendant and second-in-command within the alleged criminal organization, Castro had been cooperating with investigators prior to his untimely death. Villarán, now 75, has firmly denied that the funds received during her 2013 mayoral campaign were bribes, despite acknowledging their source. The trial is set to begin on September 23, amid ongoing investigations against several former Peruvian officials related to the notorious Odebrecht scandal that has rocked the region.

Concerns about Castro's death are compounded by the backdrop of previous corruption cases in Peru, where other politicians have faced severe consequences, including lengthy prison sentences and tragic outcomes. This situation elevates the stakes for the impending trial and reflects the pervasive impacts of corruption within Peruvian politics.