A targeted shooting in the southwest sector of Rosario left a 34-year-old man dead and a teenager wounded late Friday night. The incident, which took place inside a private residence in Barrio Alvear, is being investigated by local authorities as a likely settling of scores, a pattern of violence that has become increasingly prevalent in the city’s periphery.
The ataque armado en zona sudoeste de Rosario occurred around 11:25 p.m. On the corner of Santa Matilde and the 4300 block. According to police reports, the victims were discovered by officers from the Comando Radioeléctrico who responded to an emergency call. Upon entering the home, responders found two men lying on a bed, both suffering from gunshot wounds.
Medical personnel from the Sies emergency service arrived shortly after to provide aid. They confirmed the death of Gastón Ángel Ereñu, 34, who had sustained a fatal wound to the chest. The second victim, identified as 19-year-old Tomás Ezequiel L., suffered a gunshot wound to the upper left leg. He was transported to the Hospital de Emergencias Clemente Álvarez (HECA), where he remains hospitalized but is reported to be out of danger.
Precision and Execution of the Attack
Preliminary evidence suggests the hit was a coordinated operation. Investigators believe six men arrived at the scene riding three motorcycles, all wearing helmets to conceal their identities. Two of the assailants entered the residence, where they fired upon the victims at close range before fleeing the scene.
During the forensic sweep, ballistics experts recovered two 9mm shell casings and fragments of deformed projectiles. These findings, combined with the nature of the injuries, led investigators to classify the event as a direct attack rather than a random act of violence.
The suspects did not leave empty-handed. Before departing, the group stole a motorcycle that was kept inside the home. According to statements provided by the deceased man’s partner, the stolen vehicle had likely been stolen previously, adding another layer of criminal complexity to the case.
| Timeframe | Event / Legal Status |
|---|---|
| July 2020 | Ereñu involved in two attempted extortion cases in Barrio Tablada. |
| 2021 | Sentenced to three years in prison via an abbreviated procedure. |
| Friday, 11:25 PM | Coordinated attack at Santa Matilde 4300. Ereñu killed. |
| Post-Attack | Tomás Ezequiel L. Admitted to HECA; stable condition. |
Criminal Background and Legal History
Official records from the Ministry of Security indicate that Gastón Ángel Ereñu had a significant criminal history. His past convictions suggest a life entangled with the city’s underworld, which aligns with the police theory of an ajuste de cuentas (settling of scores).
In 2021, Ereñu received a three-year effective prison sentence following an abbreviated trial. This sentence stemmed from two attempted extortions that occurred in July 2020. In one of those instances, Ereñu had targeted a local merchant in Barrio Tablada, using threatening notes to demand money. Records indicate he had served a prior conviction for robbery during the previous decade.
The Broader Security Context in Rosario
This latest ataque armado en zona sudoeste de Rosario highlights the ongoing struggle the provincial and federal governments face in curbing targeted violence. The southwest zone, including Barrio Alvear, has frequently been a flashpoint for conflicts between rival factions involved in the local narcotics trade.
The leverage of motorcycles for rapid deployment and the targeting of individuals with prior criminal records are hallmarks of the current security crisis in the region. The Ministry of Security of Argentina has previously increased federal presence in Rosario to combat these organized crime structures, yet the frequency of “settling of scores” remains a critical challenge for law enforcement.
For the community in Barrio Alvear, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the volatility of the region. While the survivor, Tomás Ezequiel L., is recovering, his involvement in the attack remains a subject of police inquiry to determine if he was a target or simply a bystander during the incursion.
The investigation now focuses on analyzing security camera footage from the surrounding blocks of Santa Matilde to identify the motorcycles and the six suspects involved. Authorities are likewise looking into the origin of the stolen motorcycle to see if it leads to other unsolved crimes in the area.
The next official update is expected following the completion of the full autopsy report and the formal processing of the ballistics evidence by the provincial forensics lab.
If you have information regarding this case or other security incidents in Rosario, please contact local authorities. We invite you to share this report and leave your comments below.
