# Argentine military soldier death investigations

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/argentine-military-soldier-death-investigations
> Updated: 2026-09-29T15:00:21.000Z. Sources: 64. Developments: 2.

In Argentina, legal and administrative proceedings are addressing the deaths of young soldiers during military service.

A Federal Oral Court in San Luis sentenced five individuals—including four members of the Argentine Army and one volunteer candidate—for their roles in the 2019 death of 19-year-old José Javier Bechis. The incident occurred during shooting practice in Salinas del Bebedero when a projectile was discharged from a rifle that had bypassed safety checks. Sentences for the involved personnel included suspended prison terms and disqualifications for negligence, “imprudent and unskilled” weapon handling, and omissions in security and supervision.

Separately, authorities in San Juan are investigating the death of a 19-year-old volunteer soldier who died while performing guard duties at the Mountain Infantry Regiment 22 in Marquesado. The Argentine Army has initiated administrative proceedings, and Federal Court No. 5 is investigating the circumstances surrounding the death.

## Claims

- Jhon Jairo Torres was struck by at least four gunshots to the chest and abdomen. (corroborated by 8 sources)
- The attack took place at the La Selvita farm in the rural area of Yopal. (corroborated by 8 sources)
- Authorities apprehended a 17-year-old minor from Armenia, Quindío in connection with the attack. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- A second assailant escaped the scene and remains at large. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- Casanare Governor César Ortiz Zorro confirmed the death of former Yopal mayor Jhon Jairo Torres. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- The Casanare Governor's office has offered a reward of up to 50 million pesos for information leading to the capture of the perpetrators. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The motorcycle used by the attackers had been reported stolen in Paz de Ariporo the previous night. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Investigators are exploring a hypothesis that the assassination may have been ordered from Cómbita prison. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Residents of La Ferroviaria are requesting increased police presence and patrols during early morning hours. (single source)
- A taxi without visible license plates or identification markings was used in an armed robbery in Quito. (single source)
- Four armed men robbed eight people waiting for public transport in the La Ferroviaria Alta sector of Quito. (single source)
- A ride-hailing driver in Quito was tied with shoelaces and threatened with firearms by passengers. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-29: Juan Guillermo Monsalve transferred to Cómbita High Security Prison

President De La Espriella has ordered the transfer of inmate Juan Guillermo Monsalve to Cómbita High Security Prison following repeated disciplinary infractions.

58 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/two-men-detained-following-stabbing-in-animan

### 2026-09-28: San Luis court sentences five military members for soldier's death

Five Argentine military personnel and a soldier candidate were sentenced in San Luis for negligence following the 2019 death of a 19-year-old during a shooting exercise.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/san-luis-court-sentences-five-military-members-for-soldiers-death

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Cite as: Argentine military soldier death investigations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/argentine-military-soldier-death-investigations