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[CRIME] · Argentina · 34 sources

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Quitilipi: Man arrested after five die in suspected mass murder and house fire

Authorities in Chaco, Argentina, are investigating a suspected mass murder following a fatal house fire in the Matadero neighborhood of Quitilipi. Five people died in the incident: 22-year-old Rocío Aranda, her 4-year-old son Franco Aranda, her two nephews, Adriana and Bruno Barrios (aged 5 and 4), and a 6-month-old baby, Bernardo Ávalos.

Police Chief Fernando Romero described the event as one of the most atrocious crimes in the province since 1953. According to the primary police hypothesis, 25-year-old Alberto Luis Ávalos allegedly strangled Aranda and attacked three children with a knife before setting the wooden and nylon structure on fire. The 6-month-old baby reportedly died from smoke inhalation.

Ávalos was found unconscious near the property and was treated for acute psychosis, physical injuries, and signs of drug intoxication. He also reportedly attempted suicide by hanging before being rescued by neighbors. He remains in custody under judicial orders from the Sáenz Peña Prosecutor's Office. Investigators seized a knife, lighters, ropes, and bloodstained sheets from the scene.

Entities

Alberto Luis Ávalos · Chaco · Chaco Police · Fernando Romero · Quitilipi · Rocío Aranda · Sáenz Peña Prosecutor’s Office

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