San Luis court sentences five military members for soldier's death

A Federal Oral Court in San Luis, Argentina, has sentenced five individuals—four members of the Argentine Army and one volunteer soldier candidate—for their roles in the 2019 death of 19-year-old José Javier Bechis.

The incident occurred during a shooting practice in Salinas del Bebedero involving approximately 50 candidates using FAL rifles. Investigations revealed that a projectile was discharged from a rifle that had bypassed multiple safety checks despite having a round still in the chamber.

Sentences include: • Sergeant Carlos Gustavo Lebrón and First Corporal Sergio David Winter Morán: One year of suspended prison for negligence. • Corporal Enrique Martín Zárate: Two years and ten months of suspended prison and a six-year disqualification. • Elías Luciano Muñoz (then an 18-year-old candidate): Three years of suspended prison and a five-year ban on firearms for “imprudent and unskilled” handling of the weapon. • Alejandro Agustín Díaz Garro (then an Army Lieutenant and shooting director): Three years of suspended prison and a six-year disqualification for security and supervision omissions.