La Plata homicide tally hits 18 in seven months as violent crime spikes

The city of La Plata and its surrounding districts recorded 18 homicides in the first seven months of 2026, a sharp increase that has alarmed residents. July was the deadliest month, with eight killings, and the trend continued into August when a 39‑year‑old man was fatally stabbed during a family dispute in Villa Elvira.

Judicial data show that only two of the murders were linked to robberies. One involved 79‑year‑old Nicolás D’Angelo, who was killed during a March robbery, and the other was a City Bell incident where a retired federal police officer shot a thief attempting to steal his rideshare vehicle. The remaining deaths stem from personal conflicts, fights between neighbors, and other interpersonal violence.

In a separate incident, a 54‑year‑old homeowner in Los Hornos awoke to loud noises at around 2 a.m. and discovered two thieves rummaging through his house. The intruders fled with a bottle and a white Samsung phone after being spotted.