Justice Served in Tragic Shooting of Young Boy
The tragic case of Thiago Correa , a 7-year-old boy shot in the head while waiting for a bus with his father in Ciudad Evita, has seen major developments in the legal proceedings surrounding the incident. Recently, Judge Rubén Ochipinti of La Matanza made a pivotal decision regarding the charges against the Federal Police agent, Facundo Aguilar Fajardo , now charged with guilty homicide , homicide aggravated by the use of excessive force in legitimate defense , and serious injuries . This ruling represents a significant alteration in the case, moving away from the original charges of simple homicide with eventual intent.
The judge’s decision, reported by Infobae , stated the constraints surrounding Aguilar Fajardo’s actions during the incident. The police officer was arrested in June after he shot multiple times during a confrontation with four assailants. While defending himself from the robbers, he inadvertently shot Thiago, who died two days later from his injuries. The confrontation was initiated when Aguilar Fajardo was approached by the assailants, leading him to draw his weapon and fire a total of eleven shots.
In his ruling, the judge elaborated that there was an insufficient reason to believe that the agent posed a threat to anyone who was around 200 meters from the shooting scene. Ochipinti underlined factors such as poor visibility during the night and obstacles like cars, trees, and light poles that could have obstructed the view. These considerations were pivotal in the judicial decision to alter the charges and release the accused with restrictions.
Ochipinti evaluated various aspects when discussing Aguilar Fajardo’s release. The judge referenced the officer’s long-standing roots in the community , noting that he lived in the same neighborhood for over 20 years. Additionally, Aguilar Fajardo has no prior criminal record, demonstrating a commitment to lawful conduct . The judge indicated that the police officer expressed a genuine desire to preserve life, citing his immediate action post-incident to check on the welfare of his mother and ensure aid was summoned for the wounded assailants.
As part of his release, Aguilar Fajardo will face several restrictions. He is prohibited from carrying or using any firearms , required to maintain a fixed address, and must notify authorities if he intends to be absent for more than 24 hours. Furthermore, he must report to court twice a month and has been barred from making any contact with the injured individuals or their families .
On the fateful night of June 4, around 11:10 PM, Thiago was at a bus stop with his father, Fabián Correa , when faced with a sudden assault by armed criminals. During the altercation, one assailant, Brandon Corpus Antelo , was fatally shot, while two others were injured. The fourth individual, Joaquín López Otto Zacarías , fled but was apprehended later.
The chaotic scene revealed items such as a .38 caliber revolver, which raised concerns about the context of the shooting. Aguilar Fajardo has expressed remorse, stating that he never intended for Thiago to be caught in harm’s way, emphasizing that had the robbery not occurred, the boy might still be alive today. He mentioned the anguish of contemplating how easily children can become victims in situations of gun violence .
This unfortunate incident has shone a stark light on the complexities of urban safety , law enforcement conduct, and the often unforeseen consequences of violent crime on innocent lives. The legal proceedings are ongoing, as the community continues to grapple with the fallout from this heart-wrenching tragedy.