12/07/2026 21:12 - Judiciales
While the entire country celebrated the Argentine National Team's qualification for the 2026 World Cup semifinals after defeating Switzerland 3-1, shocking news emerged from the city of San Francisco, located in the central province of Córdoba.
In the early hours of July 12, 2026, around 02:10 AM, at the intersection of Av. Libertador Norte and Bulevar 25 de Mayo, hundreds of people gathered to celebrate the historic triumph. However, amidst the crowd, a crime was committed that left the community devastated.
According to initial investigations, the attacker approached Matías Gerardo Ochonga, a 20-year-old resident of the San Cayetano neighborhood, and shot him three times in the back at point-blank range. The aggressor then took advantage of the confusion generated by the large number of celebrating fans to flee the scene.
Police and emergency services quickly arrived at the scene but could only confirm the young man's death. The case is now in the hands of the Justice system, which is working intensively to reconstruct the sequence of the attack.
One of the main lines of investigation points to a possible narco-related score-settling. Sources linked to the case indicated that Ochonga had been released on conditional parole on July 3, 2026, and had two active arrest warrants against him.
Investigators have identified two alleged perpetrators of the crime, who reportedly come from the city of Frontera in the neighboring province of Santa Fe. Arrest warrants have already been issued for them. It is expected that the Justice system will soon clarify this painful event and provide answers to the family.
The shock over the homicide led family and friends to say goodbye to Matías through emotional messages on social media. One of the most moving posts expressed: “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... This is not a goodbye, brother, it's a see you soon. I hope justice is done for you, little brother. Always present in our hearts and minds, Matías, forever”.
The pain of his loved ones reflects the need for incidents like this not to go unpunished, trusting in the work of the authorities to find those responsible.
The celebratory mood also had other sad episodes in different parts of the country. In the City of Buenos Aires, a 51-year-old man died of a heart attack at the intersection of Paysandú and Gaona streets during the match. Meanwhile, the Emergency Medical Care System (SAME) reported 6 additional cardiac emergencies and 13 injured people at various points in the capital.
In the city of Córdoba capital, about 20,000 fans gathered at the Patio Olmos shopping mall to celebrate the qualification, where 6 people were detained for minor offenses. Despite these isolated situations, the spirit of Argentina remains united ahead of the crucial semifinal match against England, hoping that football continues to be a source of unity and joy.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
