12/07/2026 15:27 - Judiciales
The euphoria over the Argentine National Team's qualification for the 2026 World Cup semifinals after defeating Switzerland 3-1 was marred by a bloody incident in the city of San Francisco, Córdoba. In the downtown area, among hundreds of people celebrating in the streets, a 20-year-old young man was murdered at point-blank range.
The homicide occurred around 02:10 AM on July 12, 2026, at the intersection of Avenida Libertador Norte and Bulevar 25 de Mayo. According to investigation sources cited by Infobae and El Doce, the attacker approached the victim in the middle of the crowd and shot him three times in the back at close range, taking advantage of the confusion to escape the scene.
Police and emergency services quickly arrived at the scene, but could only confirm the young man's death.
The victim was identified as Matías Gerardo Ochonga, 20 years old, residing in San Francisco but originally from the city of Frontera, Santa Fe. According to media reports such as TN, Ochonga had regained his freedom on July 3 under a parole regime, after being detained for aggravated robberies. Additionally, at the time of the crime, he had two active arrest warrants.
Sources linked to the investigation indicated to Infobae that the main hypothesis points to a narco settling of scores. This suspicion is based both on the characteristics of the homicide and the fact that both Ochonga and the alleged perpetrators are from Frontera, a city bordering Córdoba and Santa Fe, considered a critical security point due to the dominance of narco gangs.
“They were waiting for him,” summarized an investigation source. The perpetrators, believed to be two, have already been identified and have an arrest warrant issued by the prosecution.
Emotional messages from family and friends on social media emerged. One of his friends wrote: “My Lokito, you left us alone. I hope up there you are with the person you loved the most and that you are both together. Send us strength, my Lokito, send strength to your brother who really needs it.”
The message closed with a plea for justice: “This is not a farewell, brother, it's a see you soon. We'll drink a coke again. I still can't believe it, brother, it was all very fast and painful. I hope justice is done for you, little brother. Always present in our hearts and minds, Matías, forever.”
In the city of Córdoba, 20,000 people gathered in the Patio Olmos area. The day proceeded without major incidents, with 6 arrests for misdemeanors and confiscated alcoholic beverages.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
