Five dead in massacre at home in northern Argentina

MADRID, Nov 2 (OPA) — Alberto Luis Ávalos was detained Sunday following the discovery of five bodies at a residence in the Matadero neighborhood of Quitilipi. Investigators allege Ávalos strangled his 22-year-old partner, Rocío Aranda, and killed three children—aged four and five—with a knife before setting the home ablaze while holding his own six-month-old infant, Bernardo Ávalos.

Police Chief Fernando Romero confirmed the infant died from smoke inhalation. Neighbors intervened when the suspect attempted to hang himself at the scene. Emergency responders arrived to find the suspect unconscious, alongside the bodies of the victims, which included the suspect's son and two of Aranda's nephews. A 27-centimeter Tramontina knife and other forensic evidence were seized from the property.

Medical examinations conducted at the local hospital diagnosed Ávalos with acute psychosis, noting signs of potential drug intoxication and physical trauma consistent with his attempted suicide. The suspect is currently held at the Complejo II Penitentiary in Presidencia Roque Sáenz Peña, awaiting further legal proceedings under the direction of prosecutor Gustavo Valero.

The victims' remains have been transferred to the judicial morgue for autopsies to confirm the precise sequence of events. Authorities are analyzing the recovered evidence, including cell phones and blood-stained items, to build the case. The community of Quitilipi remains under investigation as officials work to determine the motive behind the mass killing.