The prosecution's argument was simple. In clear violation of the law, the 12 defendants had kidnapped Franco Villala and then Felippo Melodia had raped her multiple times. The prosecution conceded that under Section 544 of the criminal code, these actions would cease to be crimes in relation to all defendants, if and when Franco Villala married Felippo Melodia. However, given Franco's continued refusal to do so, which was her right, the fact of the crimes remained. Whether in fear of physical reprisal or simply the social stigma, no one in the community was willing to testify on behalf of the Villala family. The prosecution's case was limited to what those within the family claimed on the stand. Both Vita and Benardo testified as to the events leading up to their daughter's abduction. They confirmed that back in 1963, Franco was indeed engaged to Felippo Melodia, albeit conditionally on the two becoming more acquainted. After spending time with Felippo, Franco had realised that she did not want to marry him and so his proposal was rejected. Franco's parents testified to the campaign of intimidation and destruction that followed. At the defences' attempts to prove otherwise, Vita maintained that all of Felippo's accomplices were in the courtroom that day. Even though they had been wearing face coverings when they took her daughter, Vita was able to recognise all of those involved. Franco's aunt and grandmother both testified that day along with Franco's parents and her brother Mariano all enjoyed Christmas day together. At no time did Franco have any interaction or conversation with Felippo as he had claimed. Finally, Franco Villala sat in the witness box. She described her ordeal at the hands of Felippo Melodia in clear and precise detail. She denied that the full Itena had been pre-planned between them, maintaining that none of what she had endured was consensual. Franco firmly stated that she was not now or had ever been in love with Felippo

Melodia.