Overview

• The Avellaneda Criminal Court No. 4 imposed a 21-year prison term and a 10-year post-sentence disqualification on Juan Alberto García Tonzo following a jury conviction.
• Jurors found him guilty of aggravated homicide for the death of Bastian Escalante Montoya and attempted aggravated homicide in excess of legitimate defense regarding the alleged motorcycle robbers.
• Investigators determined the officer fired at least 12 rounds in the July 10, 2024 incident in Wilde, and two bullets struck the 10-year-old, who died the next day at Hospital Presidente Perón.
• Sentencing submissions ranged from 25 years sought by the prosecutor to 35 years requested by the family’s counsel, while the defense argued for involuntary homicide carrying a maximum of five years.
• The family’s representatives signaled they will seek a prison transfer for security reasons, and both sides retain avenues to appeal.