Retired police officer kills bus driver after argument over loud music

In the Buenos Aires town of Lomas del Mirador, La Matanza district, a Christmas celebration turned into tragedy when Rafael Horacio Moreno, a 74-year-old retired police officer, shot and killed Sergio David Díaz, a 40-year-old bus driver, after a heated argument over the volume of the music.

The incident occurred around 6 a.m., on Acevedo Street at 4100. Moreno, upset by the noise, crossed the street to confront the group that was celebrating in front of a house. According to witnesses, his first words were a chilling warning: "We're going to end badly."

A video captured by witnesses shows Moreno yelling at the neighbors, with a .38 caliber revolver hidden under his shirt. Sergio Díaz, alarmed by the former police officer's attitude, approached to try to calm the situation, but the verbal confrontation quickly escalated. Amid the tension, Moreno shot Díaz at point-blank range in the abdomen, who, seriously wounded, tried to walk a few steps before collapsing.

Despite the efforts of his friends to rush him to the Paroissien hospital, Díaz died shortly after due to the severity of the wound.

After the attack, Moreno took refuge in his house, but was arrested minutes later by the Buenos Aires Police. During his statement, the former officer assured that the shot was accidental: "The gun went off," he told prosecutor Matías Folino, in charge of the investigation. However, witnesses and videos of the incident contradict this version, leaving little doubt about the intentionality of the act.

The Taurus revolver used in the crime was confiscated by the authorities and will be subjected to expert examination. Moreno faces charges of aggravated homicide for the use of a firearm, a crime that carries a life sentence.

Karina Sánchez, the victim's cousin, reported that Moreno had a history of conflicts with neighbors. "He constantly threatened with his gun, nobody wanted him in the neighborhood," she said, highlighting her fear that the accused would obtain some judicial benefit due to his advanced age.

In addition, she pointed out that Moreno's wife also had a provocative attitude after the crime. "She made obscene gestures to us and defended what her husband did," she added indignantly.