Pity Álvarez on Trial for Homicide: TOC 29 Begins Proceedings with Musician Present

The Oral Criminal Court (TOC) No. 29 began the oral trial against Cristian «Pity» Álvarez on Monday, accused of the homicide of Cristian Díaz, which occurred in July 2018 in the Cardenal Samoré neighborhood of Villa Lugano. The musician, who arrived at the courthouse wearing a black hat and sunglasses, sat in the courtroom and, according to reports, appeared reclined with his head resting against the wall for much of the hearing.

The proceedings are led by judges Gustavo Goerner, Juan María Ramos Padilla, and Hugo Navarro. Prosecutor Sandro Abraldes is handling the public prosecution, while lawyer Fernando Burlando represents the plaintiff. The official defense is led by Javier Aldo Marino.

A Trial That Arrived After Years of Suspensions

The case had reached the trial stage in November 2018, but the process was suspended in 2021 and again in March 2023. On that occasion, the judges considered that the musician was not in a psychological condition to face the trial, according to a report from the Forensic Medical Corps (CMF) that warned of an impairment in his thinking and comprehension abilities.

The defense had even requested dismissal, but the court rejected it and ordered the lifting of house arrest. The situation changed in late 2025, when Álvarez returned to the stage and gave a concert at the Mario Alberto Kempes stadium in Córdoba before some 35,000 people. That event prompted prosecutor Abraldes to request a review of the case, and new CMF studies concluded that the musician had sufficient «cognitive reserve» to face the proceedings.

The Hearing: Statements and Gestures

During the first session, Judge Goerner read the defendant his rights and explained that he could testify or remain silent without affecting his legal situation. Álvarez chose not to testify: «I will testify later,» he said. When asked basic questions, he did not remember his ID number, although when the judge dictated it, he added: «22 million, but I don’t remember the rest.»

Regarding his health, he mentioned hip problems and hypertension. On drug use, he stated: «At some point, yes. And I was in treatment, but not now. I was addicted to what is known as pasta base, but I haven’t used since ’92.» He also said he does not sign contracts or handle money: «I use a virtual wallet that my sister tops up every two or three days.»

The musician wore a black t-shirt with the phrase «Si esperas vas a entender» (If you wait, you will understand), which matches a song from his repertoire. At one point, he asked to go to the bathroom, and the trial continued without him. Upon returning, he crossed his arms while statements of his related to his addiction were read.

The Act Being Tried

The homicide occurred during the early hours of July 12, 2018, in front of the entrance to Tower 12 B of the Cardenal Samoré neighborhood, at Dellepiane Sur and Avenida Escalada. According to the prosecution, after an argument, Álvarez pulled out a .635 caliber pistol and shot Díaz in the head. When the victim fell to the ground, he allegedly fired three more shots at the same area and then fled. The wounds caused fatal head injuries and internal bleeding.

The sources consulted agree on the central facts of the incident, although they present some differences. La Nación describes Álvarez’s arrival with a «black plush hat» and «sunglasses,» while Crónica mentions a «polar fleece cap» and «dark glasses.» As for the t-shirt, La Nación cites the phrase «Si esperas vas a entender,» while Crónica transcribes it as «y si esperás vas a entender.» These variations do not affect the core of the information.

Comparison of Data Between Sources

Methodological note: The table compares the data reported by each source. Differences in the description of the look may be due to different perceptions by the reporters. La Nación provides more details about the development of the hearing, while Crónica focuses on the schedule and witnesses. Neither source is primary, as both are media outlets that covered the event.

What to Follow

The most relevant detail to follow is the progress of the trial, especially whether the musician finally testifies and what he says about the events. It will also be important to observe whether the defense insists on questioning his fitness to stand trial, and how the CMF report influences the court’s decisions. The next hearings are scheduled for August 12, 14, 19, 24, 26, and 31, and September 2, 7, 9, and 14, with about 70 witnesses called.