Merchant kills 16-year-old, injures another in hand when they tried to steal his truck in Mar del Plata

A merchant in Mar del Plata, Argentina, is accused of killing a 16-year-old and wounding another in the hand after they allegedly attempted to steal his truck. The incident occurred early Tuesday morning when the merchant, who had been on guard outside his business following a previous robbery, claims he was confronted by a group of six individuals on three bicycles.

According to the merchant's account, he felt threatened and opened fire. Police recovered seven shell casings from the scene, matching a pistol found inside the merchant's truck, where other weapons and ammunition were also discovered. The injured 15-year-old was taken to the Hospital Interzonal General de Agudos and is reportedly facing the potential loss of three fingers. The other four individuals involved in the alleged attempted robbery escaped on foot and have not yet been located.

The prosecutor's office has opened a case for aggravated homicide and aggravated injury. The injured teen is hospitalized, and the merchant is in custody. An autopsy for the deceased teenager is scheduled, and the merchant is expected to provide his formal statement to the prosecutor on Monday. Investigators are also reviewing security camera footage from the area to reconstruct the events.

This incident occurs amid increased security measures by the Buenos Aires Ministry of Security in the district, following a series of serious crimes, including two robberies and a femicide. A public mobilization demanding better security had taken place prior to these reinforcements.