Gendarme Fabricio Cortéz faces trial over 2023 Rosario shooting

A court in Rosario began oral proceedings on Monday to determine whether gendarme Fabricio Cortéz acted in self‑defence or committed aggravated homicide. The case stems from an April 5, 2023 incident in the La Cerámica neighbourhood where Cortéz, transferred from Jáchal to assist federal anti‑drug operations, intervened in a cable‑theft attempt. He fired at suspect Marcelo Flores, who later died from the wound.

The prosecution argues the shooting was a homicide, contending Cortéz shot the victim from a distance after the man was already restrained. The defence maintains the gendarme was attacked with a knife, forced to defend himself at three‑to‑four metres, and subsequently tried to aid the injured man and called an ambulance. Approximately 20 witnesses and security‑camera footage will be examined, along with ballistic analyses. Cortéz has been in pre‑trial detention for more than three years.

The trial will address whether the use of force was legitimate under Argentine law and could influence how gendarmerie personnel handle civilian confrontations.