A new video has emerged from the shooting incident in Wilde that resulted in the tragic death of 10-year-old Bastián Nehemías Escalante Montoya. Bastián was shot twice during a confrontation between an off-duty police officer and a group of motorcycle robbers on July 10. Recent forensic analysis revealed that all eight shell casings found at the scene were fired from the officer’s weapon.
The officer, Juan Alberto García Tonzo, has been arrested on charges of homicide committed with a firearm while exceeding the limits of legitimate defense. Initial evidence against him includes surveillance footage showing that the suspects did not fire upon him. Instead, they fled on foot as the officer opened fire.
García Tonzo, who is 30 years old, was off duty and dressed in civilian clothing during the incident, accompanied by his young son. He is a member of the Avellaneda Patrol Command. The arrested robbers include a minor and a 26-year-old named Thiago Rivas. Both men face serious charges, including attempted homicide and armed robbery. Two other suspects remain at large, though authorities have seized a white Honda Wave motorcycle allegedly used in the crime.
According to judicial sources, the minor has prior offenses, including two theft cases and one for aggravated robbery, while Rivas has seven prior charges, three of which involve armed robbery.
Bastián was cycling home with his mother after a football practice when he was caught in the crossfire between the police officer and the robbers. He was shot in the left shoulder and right neck. Despite medical efforts to revive him at the Hospital Presidente Perón in Avellaneda, he succumbed to his injuries. He was the youngest of three siblings and hailed from Bernal, a locality in Buenos Aires.
In a heartrending interview, Bastián’s mother, Johana, expressed her grief, stating, “I took such great care of him, only for him to be taken from me like this.” She also articulated the fear that has gripped her family since the incident, particularly regarding her daughter’s safety during outings.
“Everyone is responsible, and we want them all to face justice,” Johana concluded, reflecting on the roles played by both the robbers and the police officer.
Image and News Source: https://www.infobae.com/sociedad/policiales/2024/07/22/crimen-de-bastian-en-wilde-una-pericia-confirmo-que-las-balas-que-mataron-al-nene-de-10-anos-salieron-del-arma-del-policia/
