Cristian Pity Álvarez, the former frontman of popular Argentine rock bands Viejas Locas and Intoxicados, went on trial Monday for the killing of Cristian Maximiliano Díaz.
The shooting took place in the early hours of July 12, 2018, in the Samoré neighborhood of Villa Lugano, in Buenos Aires. Díaz encountered Álvarez, who accused him of stealing items from a backpack. The argument quickly escalated and the rock star pulled a .25-caliber pistol from his jacket pocket and fired four shots at Díaz’s head.
According to prosecutors, the first bullet struck Díaz in the face. While the victim was already seriously wounded, Álvarez fired three more shots, ultimately killing him. Prosecutors contend that the attack was sudden and left Díaz with no real chance to defend himself. They also allege that Álvarez was illegally carrying a firearm.
The following day, Pity Álvarez turned himself in at Police Station No. 52 in Villa Lugano, accompanied by his lawyer. Before entering, he spoke to reporters and justified the killing with a statement that would become forever associated with the case: “I killed him because it was either him or me.”
Although Álvarez declined to testify before the judge during the investigation, he submitted a written statement that was added to the case file. In it, he said his actions that were driven by “confusion, madness and fear.” He denied intending to kill Díaz and said he had reacted because he believed his own life was in danger.
