Death of 45-year-old in Villa 20 triggers police inquiry, court investigation

A 45-year-old man has died after an incident involving police officers and residents in Barrio 20, a low-income neighbourhood in the south of the capital.

Authorities from the Buenos Aires City government said an internal police inquiry and a judicial investigation into the death have been opened.

The man, identified by local media as Gabriel González, was taken to Hospital Piñero in the Flores district with a stab wound to the torso, according to sources cited by Agencia Noticias Argentinas. 

González later died at the hospital. A preliminary autopsy is pending to establish the exact cause of death.

Barrio 20, also known as Villa 20, is located in Villa Lugano, in the south of the capital. The incident occurred near the intersection of Chilavert and Araujo streets, where City Police officers were responding to reports of a confrontation.

National Criminal and Correctional Court No. 20 has ordered an internal inquiry into the officers involved in the operation. City Police say they had handed over body cameras, mobile phones and crowd-control equipment to assist investigators. Proceedings are being carried out jointly with the Federal Police.

Two men, aged 21 and 32, and a 42-year-old woman were detained and later released. One of those involved is reported to be González’s son.

Family members and neighbours later held a march in Villa Lugano to demand answers from the authorities and accountability.

 A full autopsy has been ordered and is expected to be central to establishing the circumstances surrounding González’s death, City authorities said.

– TIMES/NA