On , a 17-year-old boy was fatally shot in the northeastern section of Santa Fe. The victim, identified as Alexander Daniel Souza, was the target of a deliberate attack. A suspect of the same age has been apprehended and accused of firing the fatal shot.
The arrest was carried out by the Investigative Police (PDI), an agency within the province’s Ministry of Justice and Security, through its High Profile Captures Unit (UCAP). The case is currently being prosecuted as qualified homicide
under the direction of prosecutor Ana Laura Gioria and Juvenile Court No. 2, presided over by Dr. Martín Torres.
The suspect, identified only by the initials MUA, had been under arrest warrant since , but had evaded capture until recently. Investigators focused their efforts in the Loyola neighborhood, near Alfonsina Storni at 6000, where they ultimately located and arrested the fugitive on Saturday.
The Shooting
The incident occurred around 7:30 p.m. On . Souza was waiting for service at a workshop located at 9700 Santa Fe Avenue, in the Ceferino Namuncurá neighborhood. He had arrived on his motorcycle and was among several customers ahead of him.
The perpetrator arrived on a motorcycle, immediately opened fire on Souza, and then fled the scene. Witnesses, including customers and workshop employees, observed the shooting. The single gunshot struck Souza in the head, causing him to collapse. Emergency medical personnel pronounced him dead at the scene.
Juvenile Justice Proceedings
The initial investigation was handled by prosecutor Andrés Marchi. However, due to the suspect being a minor, the case was transferred to prosecutor Ana Laura Gioria, who specializes in juvenile cases within the Public Prosecutor’s Office (MPA).
MUA was formally notified of the charges and transferred to the Juvenile Entry Point at the Police Station, where he remains in custody pending further legal proceedings.
This case highlights the complex intersection of youth violence and the juvenile justice system. The swift action by the PDI in apprehending the suspect demonstrates a commitment to investigating and prosecuting serious crimes, even when involving minors. The transfer of the case to a specialized prosecutor underscores the importance of addressing juvenile offenses with an understanding of the unique developmental and legal considerations involved.
The classification of the crime as qualified homicide
suggests that the prosecution intends to present evidence demonstrating aggravating factors, potentially leading to a more severe penalty within the bounds of juvenile sentencing guidelines. The ongoing investigation will likely focus on establishing the motive for the shooting and gathering evidence to support the charges against the suspect.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the prevalence of gun violence and its devastating impact on communities. While the details surrounding the shooting remain under investigation, the loss of a young life underscores the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to prevent violence and support at-risk youth.
Further updates will be provided as the legal proceedings unfold and more information becomes available. The focus remains on ensuring justice for the victim and his family, while also addressing the underlying factors that contribute to youth violence.
